Advanced in vivo fluorescence microscopy of neural electronic interface

Abstract

Neuroelectronic devices are essential tools in neuroscience research, diagnosis, and/or treatment of neurological diseases, as well as in neuro-prosthetics and brain–computer interfaces. Despite a long history of application, neuroelectronic devices are still facing challenges of unsatisfactory chronic stability and a lack of understanding of cellular mechanisms for recording and stimulation. To improve the information transfer between the neural tissue and electronic devices, a comprehensive understanding of the biological activities around the neural electrode is critical. In vivo fluorescent microscopy technologies are rapidly developing and have revolutionized our understanding of cellular dynamics in response to neural interfacing materials. Here, we will provide an overview of the in vivo fluorescence microscopy systems and imaging configurations for studying the neural electronic interface, as well as recent findings in biological mechanisms learned using these advanced optical imaging modalities. Finally, we will discuss the current challenges and future directions. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]