Abstract
The field of optogenetics currently relies on invasive means to deliver light to cells and tissue. A novel, non-invasive approach has been identified in the combination of a penetrative light source and a local light-converting material. A methacrylate-functionalized anthracene has been synthesized to provide a polymerizable fluorescent material. Anthracene-methacrylate has a high quantum efficiency and is visibly fluorescent under soft x-ray irradiation. This material was copolymerized with methyl-methacrylate to produce a model system so the scintillating properties could be tuned. Copolymers of varying ratios were characterized. Visible x-ray fluorescence is observed in the polymers. Copolymers are biocompatible with neurons, and the emission profile of the anthracene-methacrylate overlaps the excitation profile of their light-activated ion channel. Future in vitro studies will test the ability of the material to induce a potential change in neurons through the down-conversion of x-rays.
© 2018 The Author(s)
PDF ArticleMore Like This
Haley W. Jones, Yuriy Bandera, and Stephen H. Foulger
NoF3B.6 Novel Optical Materials and Applications (NOMA) 2021
Haley W. Jones, Yuriy Bandera, and Stephen H. Foulger
JW1A.11 Bio-Optics: Design and Application (BODA) 2021
Eric Zhang, Ashley Dickey, Haley Jones, Isabell Foulger, Joseph Kolis, and Stephen Foulger
NoF2C.7 Novel Optical Materials and Applications (NOMA) 2021