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The Optogenetics APP What is the Optogenetics APP? The Optogenetics APP is a tool which aids an investigator in calculating the required
optical power for given in-vivo
experiment involving optogenetics or any other experimental approach that
includes light delivery to deep brain areas via optical fibers. Different
brain areas have very different optical properties, which determine how light
scatters and distributes, once it exits the optical fiber. To accurately
determine the amount of light required for a given experimental design,
knowledge about the specific scattering properties of the brain region, the
wavelength of the light and specific opsin to be
used, as well as the properties of the optical fiber are required. Once a
user inputs these parameters, the app calculates the maximal depth at which
effective excitation of the opsin can be achieved.
The penetration depth is plotted as a function of optical power (mW), such that a user can see how light scatters in the
brain tissue under the specific circumstances. This
first release includes a number of input parameters, as well the two most
popular opsins, Channelrhodopsin
and Halorhodopsin (1st generation). Scattering coefficients for
eight different regions of the adult mouse brain are included, and the
calculator assumes that blue light (453 nm) is used. Future
releases will include additional opsins, additional
wavelengths, and a brain atlas that includes scattering coefficients for any
brain region of the adult mouse brain. For the
scientific basis of this calculator as well as additional information, please
see: Saif Al-Juboori, Anna Dondzillo, Elizabeth Stubblefield, Gidon Felsen, Achim
Klug and Tim Lei: Light
scattering properties differ between different areas of the adult mouse
brain. Under review. How do I get the Optogenetics APP? The
application is currently available for iOS only. It
is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and certain
iPods. Download
the Optogenetics APP from iTunes Versions
for Android and web browsers will be coming shortly! |
