HyFiPhotometry · Hyperspectral Fiber Photometry for Flexible, Multiplexed Optical Measurements of Brain Function

Fiber photometry allows the activity of molecularly defined neuronal populations to be measured in freely behaving animals. The method is based on an implanted optical fiber through which fluorescent genetically encoded indicators of cellular activity, metabolites or signaling molecules can be monitored and is widely used in neuroscience research. However, conventional photometry systems are not flexible and typically limited to a fixed configuration of one or two readout channels. We will develop a new product based on a radically redesigned concept of fiber photometry called Fused Fiber Photometry (FFP). This new design is highly flexible and allows the fiber photometry setup to be easily reconfigured to a large number of spectral configurations at low cost. Furthermore, by combining spectral detection with spectral control of the fluorescence excitation signal, we will realize hyperspectral fiber photometry. Fused fiber photometry and hyperspectral photometry have the potential to gain large attraction in the academic research, industrial R&D and manufacturing processes, and in medical diagnosis. The technique has therefore high commercialization potential and a competitive advantage over existing commercial systems. It allows companies to offer a simple, out-of-the-box, turnkey system that can be easily modified and upgraded to meet user requirements. Our goal is to develop a commercializable hyperspectral fiber photometry system based on FFP. We will work hand in hand with established industrial partners to bring the system to market. By realizing HyFiPhotometry in this PoC project, want to exploit the full potential of hyperspectral photometry and demonstrate the feasibility of the basic idea. In the long term, we aim it to drive inventiveness in the fields of biomedical research, medicine and beyond. In this way, we expect to move our product from the niche of neuroscience to a wide range of applications that are highly relevant to society.