Near-Infrared Light Triggered-Release in Deep Brain Regions Using Ultra-photosensitive Nanovesicles

Hejian Xiong, Xiuying Li, Peiyuan Kang, John Perish, Frederik Neuhaus, Jonathan E. Ploski, Sven Kroener, Maria O. Ogunyankin, Jeong Eun Shin, Joseph A. Zasadzinski, Hui Wang, Paul A. Slesinger, Andreas Zumbuehl, Zhenpeng Qin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Remote and minimally-invasive modulation of biological systems with light has transformed modern biology and neuroscience. However, light absorption and scattering significantly prevents penetration to deep brain regions. Herein, we describe the use of gold-coated mechanoresponsive nanovesicles, which consist of liposomes made from the artificial phospholipid Rad-PC-Rad as a tool for the delivery of bioactive molecules into brain tissue. Near-infrared picosecond laser pulses activated the gold-coating on the surface of nanovesicles, creating nanomechanical stress and leading to near-complete vesicle cargo release in sub-seconds. Compared to natural phospholipid liposomes, the photo-release was possible at 40 times lower laser energy. This high photosensitivity enables photorelease of molecules down to a depth of 4 mm in mouse brain. This promising tool provides a versatile platform to optically release functional molecules to modulate brain circuits.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8608-8615
Number of pages8
JournalAngewandte Chemie - International Edition
Volume59
Issue number22
DOIs
StatePublished - 25 May 2020

Keywords

  • brain
  • gold shell
  • mechanoresponsive vesicles
  • near-infrared light
  • uncaging

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