Periodic Reporting for period 1 - StrokeGATE (Single-fibre based holographic endoscope for observations of stroke in deep brain structure)
Reporting period: 2022-11-01 to 2024-04-30
The StrokeGATE project aimed to leverage advances from the origin LIFEGATE project to create a cutting-edge technological platform for investigating the impacts of deep brain strokes in living animal models using a multimode fibre (MMF) based holographic endoscope. The project's primary goal was to modify the geometry of the existing MMF endoscope to induce controlled strokes and monitor the resultant changes in neuronal connectivity and signaling activity in real-time. This initiative sought to address significant challenges in neurological research by providing a minimally invasive method to image deep brain structures with high resolution, potentially transforming how conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease are studied. By demonstrating the utility of MMF endoscopes in this new application, StrokeGATE aimed to broaden the acceptance and commercial viability of this technology in the neuroscience community.
The project successfully implemented a second illumination path into the MMF endoscope, enabling simultaneous imaging and induction of photothrombosis. Initial experiments confirmed the feasibility of inducing strokes and observing their effects on blood flow and neuronal morphology in vivo. However, acute probe-tissue interactions posed significant challenges, such as bleeding and blood-brain barrier disruption, which could confound the results. To overcome these issues, the project team developed new connector solutions, allowing for chronic studies without physical contact between the probe and brain tissue. This innovation facilitated repeated imaging over several days and enabled studies on awake, fully conscious animals. The connectors were implanted aseptically, and after recovery and training, the animals could be imaged repeatedly, demonstrating the stability and reliability of the new approach.
StrokeGATE’s advancements in MMF endoscopy represent significant progress beyond the existing state of the art. The introduction of chronic imaging marks a breakthrough, allowing for non-invasive, repeated access to deep brain structures over extended periods. This capability addresses the limitations of acute imaging methods that often disrupt brain tissue and compromise study validity. The ability to image and measure neuronal activity and blood flow in awake, fully conscious animals opens new avenues for studying neurological disorders in a more naturalistic context. Furthermore, this technology provides a robust platform for investigating developmental and neurodegenerative processes longitudinally. The project's successful implementation of these innovations and the subsequent transfer of knowledge to the startup DeepEn ensures that these advancements will be accessible to the broader neuroscience community, fostering further research and potential clinical applications. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the scientific understanding of brain disorders but also accelerates the commercial adoption of MMF endoscopic technologies.