Targeting and excitation of photoactivatable molecules: Design considerations for neurophysiology experiments

Eugene F. Civillico, J. Peter Rickgauer, Samuel S.H. Wang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Each chapter in this volume describes in detail the application of one or a group of photosensitive molecules to biological research. In this chapter, we take up general prefatory questions: how to determine which molecules are appropriate to use, and what type of compound delivery and light-targeting apparatus for photoactivation is likely to give satisfactory spatial and temporal performance. We enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of currently available "caged" and genetically encoded photosensitive molecules. We also compare current mature and emerging technologies for patterned light delivery, referring as much as possible to broadly applicable general principles. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview with signposts to more detailed treatments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPhotosensitive Molecules for Controlling Biological Function
EditorsJames Chambers, Richard Kramer
Pages7-37
Number of pages31
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011

Publication series

NameNeuromethods
Volume55
ISSN (Print)0893-2336
ISSN (Electronic)1940-6045

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Neuroscience

Keywords

  • AOD
  • Beamsteering
  • Caged compound
  • Channelrhodopsin
  • Galvanometric
  • Holographic
  • Scanning

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