A Closed-Loop Optogenetic Platform.

Neuromodulation is an established treatment for numerous neurological conditions, but to expand the therapeutic scope there is a need to improve the spatial, temporal and cell-type specificity of stimulation. Optogenetics is a promising area of current research, enabling optical stimulation of genetically-defined cell types without interfering with concurrent electrical recording for closed-loop control of neural activity. We are developing an open-source system to provide a platform for closed-loop optogenetic neuromodulation, incorporating custom integrated circuitry for recording and stimulation, real-time closed-loop algorithms running on a microcontroller and experimental control via a PC interface.