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Synthetic Chromophores and Neural Stimulation of the Visual System

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Visual Prosthetics

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Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of optical stimulation of neural cells by synthetic chromophores and their potential use in the field of artificial sight. The chromophores and techniques that are discussed include azo chromophores, photo release of caged neurotransmitters, pore blockers and photoisomerization, the channelrhodopsins, melanopsin, and the Photosystem I reaction center of green plants.

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Abbreviations

ATR:

All-trans retinal

ChR:

Channel rhodopsin

Cy5:

Red-emitting cyanine-based fluorescent dye

DIC:

Differential interference contrast microscopy

FITC:

Fluorescein isothiocyanate

PSI:

Photosystem I reaction center

UV:

Ultraviolet light

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Acknowledgments

The author thanks M. S. Humayun, J. D. Weiland, T. Kuritz, I. Lee, C. P. Pennisi, C. A. Sanders, B. R. Evans, and H. M. O’Neill for advice, support and discussions. This work was supported by the Office of Biological and Environmental Research, U.S. Department of Energy. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is managed by UT-Battelle, LLC for the U. S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA

    Elias Greenbaum

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  1. Elias Greenbaum
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  2. Barbara R. Evans
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Correspondence to Elias Greenbaum .

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  1. , Lions Vision Research & Rehabilitation C, Johns Hopkins University School of Medic, 550 N. Broadway, Baltimore, 21205-2020, Maryland, USA

    Gislin Dagnelie

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Greenbaum, E., Evans, B.R. (2011). Synthetic Chromophores and Neural Stimulation of the Visual System. In: Dagnelie, G. (eds) Visual Prosthetics. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0754-7_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0754-7_10

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