# Injectable Optoacoustic Retina Prostheses

> **NIH NIH R21** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · 2024 · $588,568

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Retinal degenerative diseases are the leading cause of irreversible vision loss. Current retina prosthesis are
solid state implantable devices designed to stimulate sensation of vision in the eyes of individuals with these
significant conditions. Resolution and pixel density are limited in the existing devices. In addition, these solid-
state implants require invasive surgical incision and have risks and challenges post-op. New technologies and
methods are still being sought for minimally invasive prostheses for precise and non-genetic retina stimulation.
In this Trailblazer application, we propose an injectable optoacoustic retina prosthesis for high precision retina
stimulation. The injectable prosthesis is a soft biocompatible optoacoustic material which can be injected in
targeted areas in retina. Coupled with patterned illumination via a scanning strategy, the injectable retina
prostheses are expected to achieve retinal stimulation with a spatial resolution of 40-50 µm. Such unprecedent
injection strategy, ultra-high spatial precision, and potential of massive parallel capabilities, together with the soft
and biocompatible design, offer clear advantages. A multi-disciplinary team with complementary expertise is
assembled to perform the proposed activities. Prof. Chen Yang (PI) is an expert in nanomaterials and neural
devices and interfaces for modulation and regeneration. Prof. Serge Picaud (Co-I, Institut de la Vision, France)
has 30 years research experience in retina and vision. Our team has pioneered ultra-high precision optoacoustic
neuromodulation. We have successfully shown the retina can be directly stimulated by optoacoustic. Our central
hypothesis that via the design of the injectable optoacoustic retina prostheses, we will achieve minimally invasive
retina stimulation at an unprecedented 50 micro-meter spatial precision. To test this central hypothesis, the
following specific aims are proposed. In Aim 1 and 2, we will develop a highly efficient photoacoustic injectable
biomaterial and demonstrate high precision retinal stimulation at micrometer-scale resolution by multi-electrode
array recording of retinal tissues. In Aim 3, we will Evaluate the safety and efficacy of stimulation by injectable
optoacoustic prostheses in rodent models. These efforts are expected to generate a conceptually new injectable
prosthesis design offering massively parallel, high precision and genetics-free optoacoustic stimulation with
translational potential to human.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10952925
- **Project number:** 1R21EY036579-01
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- **Principal Investigator:** Chen Yang
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $588,568
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-30 → 2027-09-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10952925

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10952925, Injectable Optoacoustic Retina Prostheses (1R21EY036579-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/10952925. Licensed CC0.

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