Controlling Cells with Sound and Light, Without Surgery
Non-Invasive and Non-Viral Sono-Optogenetics
This project is developing a new way to control cells in the body using sound and light, without needing surgery or viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126702 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Optogenetics currently uses light to control cells, but it often requires surgery to implant light fibers and uses viruses to deliver the necessary genetic material. These methods can sometimes harm cells or trigger immune responses. This research is creating a new approach called sono-optogenetics, which uses focused sound waves to generate light inside the body. Tiny particles injected into the bloodstream would help convert the sound into light, allowing for cell control without invasive procedures. The team is working to improve these particles so they can produce different colors of light and safely break down in the body after use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to develop a technology that could eventually benefit individuals with conditions affecting neural, cardiac, or muscle cell activity.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this early-stage technology development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could offer a much safer and less invasive way to control cell activity for various medical conditions, potentially reducing risks associated with current methods.
How similar studies have performed: While optogenetics is an established field, this specific non-invasive and non-viral sono-optogenetics approach is novel and aims to overcome significant limitations of existing methods.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Huiliang — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Wang, Huiliang
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.