Platforms for the interrogation of the central nervous system have been used to understand circuit level behavior in rodents, but have been excluded from flying species due to external tethers required for such studies. Here, we introduce soft wireless, battery free platforms for investigating neuronal pathways in songbirds to better examine vocal learning. Deep neural network analysis of animal behavior guides primary antenna design to maximize wireless power delivery. Temperature readouts are enabled by advanced power management via capacitive energy storage on the implant. These advances allow for continuous optogenetic stimulation and thermography throughout the 3D experimental arena. Device miniaturization is achieved via magnetic resonant coupling to harvest energy and receive commands from external magnetic fields for indefinite stimulation and thermography (Fig. 1A). Behavior guided antenna design steers power to regions of the arena occupied the most by the songbird (Fig. 1B). Capacitive energy storage enables data uplink events throughout the arena (Fig. 1C). The use of nonmagnetic components makes the device compatible with MRI and CT imaging (Fig. 1D). The resulting system only weighs 84 mg and does not impact behavior (Fig. 1E). Song-dedicated neurons can be optogenetically stimulated using these advances to elicit pitch shift in song (Fig. 1F). Devices can also continuously read out temperature (Fig. 1G). These experimental outcomes can provide insights into the roles of brain pathways associated with song learning. The ultralightweight and miniaturized footprint aligns with flexible printed circuit board manufacturing capabilities for broad distribution.

Wireless, battery free and fully implantable platforms for recording and neuromodulation in songbirds

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.