Abstract
In optogenetics, researchers use light and genetically encoded photoreceptors to control biological processes with unmatched precision. However, outside of neuroscience, the impact of optogenetics has been limited by a lack of user-friendly, flexible, accessible hardware. Here, we engineer the Light Plate Apparatus (LPA), a device that can deliver two independent 310 to 1550 nm light signals to each well of a 24-well plate with intensity control over three orders of magnitude and millisecond resolution. Signals are programmed using an intuitive web tool named Iris. All components can be purchased for under $400 and the device can be assembled and calibrated by a non-expert in one day. We use the LPA to precisely control gene expression from blue, green, and red light responsive optogenetic tools in bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells and simplify the entrainment of cyanobacterial circadian rhythm. The LPA dramatically reduces the entry barrier to optogenetics and photobiology experiments.
Highlights
In optogenetics, researchers use light and genetically encoded photoreceptors to control biological processes with unmatched precision
Following Quail and co-workers’ pioneering engineering of a red/far red lightswitchable S. cerevisiae transcriptional regulatory system in 20025, photoreceptors with diverse spectral properties have been used to control a remarkable range of cell biological processes in mechanistically tractable model organisms as well
The unpopulated printed circuit board (PCB) can be ordered from a commercial supplier using the provided fabrication files (Supplementary Information)
Summary
Researchers use light and genetically encoded photoreceptors to control biological processes with unmatched precision. Because no instrument existed for delivering the necessary intensity of light to specific brain regions in live animals without major side effects, optogenetics contributed few neurobiological insights between 2005 and 20092. During this period, the group engineered the optical neural interface (ONI) – a brain-implantable optical fiber with a laser diode light source. No optical hardware has been developed to enable the broad research community to properly utilize these non-neural optogenetic tools, limiting their impact. We recently engineered the Light Tube Array (LTA), a light emitting diode (LED)-
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
