Wireless Fiber Photometry

Fiber photometry is a powerful ultra-fast technique used to measure calcium, neurotransmitters, and other molecules in vivo. To use fiber photometry, genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs), dopamine indicators (DLIGHT1), norepinephrine indicators (GRABNE), and other fluorescent sensors are first expressed at the location of interest. An optical fiber is then used to excite the sensor and detect the resulting fluorescence.

But when used in freely moving animals, along optical cable attached to the head of the animal can be problematic. The cable can impede movement in environments containing exercise wheels or shelters, and also alter social interactions. The cable can also cause artifacts when used with video tracking systems. For example, the cable often continues to sway after the animal has stopped moving, making it difficult for software to recognize freezing behavior. Placing all components on a headstage ends all of these problems.

TeleFipho includes all of the components required for fiber photometry – optical fiber, filter cube, light source, and photodetector – as well as wireless transmission hardware, all in a 3-gram headstage.

TeleFipho definitely will not block the free behavior of your animals, enabling novel experimental approaches using fiber photometry.