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Supplemental support for the development of high spatiotemporal resolution neuronal imager

Award Number: R44MH116748
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/01/2018
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2025

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Supplemental support for the development of high spatiotemporal resolution neuronal imager - Project Summary/Abstract The investigation of the complex neural dynamics and the cognitive functions of the brain requires non- invasive recording tools with high spatial and temporal resolution. Fluorescence imaging/microscopy is one of the state-of-the-art technologies for high spatial resolution recording of the activity of neuron populations. However, existing fluorescence neural imaging technologies generally have limited speed, providing less than a few hundred frames per second (or several milliseconds temporal resolution). This is not only limited by the technology barriers (e.g. the low speed of cameras and/or beam scanners), but also constrained by the low signal level emitted by the delicate micro-scale neuronal structures. The milliseconds or slower temporal resolution substantially precludes measuring the precise timing of the generation and propagation of neuron spikes, which is the key component of neural signaling. During this R&D program, Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), Dartmouth College, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard propose to develop and demonstrate a novel fluorescence neural imaging technology that enables high-speed recording of membrane potentials from multiple neurons. This technology combines two complementary imaging channels to achieve parallel neuronal recording with both sub-micron spatial and sub-millisecond temporal resolution. The high-speed recording function is achieved using a novel imaging technique based on a high-sensitivity single-point detector and a high-speed spatial light modulator (SLM). During the Phase I, we demonstrated the feasibility of the technology by imaging cultured neurons labeled with calcium and voltage indicating fluorescent sensors. During the proposed Phase II, we will upgrade the technology and further demonstrate its value in neuroscience investigations. The Phase II prototypes will include a universal high spatiotemporal resolution sensor that is compatible with various imaging setups including head-mounted fluorescence mini-microscopes. Two Phase II prototypes will be delivered to collaborating institutes for performance testing. The testing experiments will focus on demonstrating high spatiotemporal resolution recording of fast action potentials from both neuron somas in the brain in vivo and sub-cellular structures (e.g., dendrites and synapses) of neuron cultures or brain slices using genetically encoded voltage sensors. During an administrative supplement support, additional sensors will be built for demonstrations to key opinion leaders, which will accelerate the commercialization process of the technology. This R&D project will result in a robust technology for non-invasive recording of neuronal kinetics with high spatiotemporal resolution, offering a greatly needed tool in the neuroscience field.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2025	2023	PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC.	20 NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS CENTER DR	ANDOVER	MA	01810	ESSEX	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	3	11/1/2024	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $1,268,901 )
2023	2023	PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC.	20 NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS CTR DR	ANDOVER	MA	01810	ESSEX	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	3	2/9/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$870,019
2023	2023	PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC.	20 NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS CTR DR	ANDOVER	MA	01810	ESSEX	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	001	3	9/1/2023	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$398,882
														Subtotal = $1,268,901

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $890,292 )
2022	2022	PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC.	20 NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS CTR DR	ANDOVER	MA	01810	ESSEX	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	2	3/14/2022	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$890,292
														Subtotal = $890,292

Grand Total All Awards = $2,159,193

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Supplemental support for the development of high spatiotemporal resolution neuronal imager

Award Number: R44MH116748

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/01/2018

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2025

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