Abstract
Nanoscale optoelectrodes hold the potential to stimulate optically individual neurons and intracellular organelles, a challenge that demands both a high-density of photoelectron storage and significant charge injection. Here, we report that zinc porphyrin, commonly used in dye-sensitized solar cells, can be self-assembled into nanorods and then coated by TiO2. The J-aggregated zinc porphyrin array enables long-range exciton diffusion and allows for fast electron transfer into TiO2. The formation of TiO2(e-) attracts positive charges around the neuron membrane, contributing to the induction of action potentials. Far-field cranial irradiation of the motor cortex using a 670 nm laser or an 850 nm femtosecond laser can modulate local neuronal firing and trigger motor responses in the hind limb of mice. The pulsed photoelectrical stimulation of neurons in the subthalamic nucleus alleviates parkinsonian symptoms in mice, improving abnormal stepping and enhancing the activity of dopaminergic neurons. Our results suggest injectable nanoscopic optoelectrodes for optical neuromodulation with high efficiency and negligible side effects.