California Institute of Technology

University of Southern California

Robert H Chow

Robert H Grubbs

Mark Salman Humayun

Mark Edward Thompson

Harry B Gray

Dennis A Dougherty

Mark S Humayun

Melanie A Yen

Lionel E Cheruzel

Erin Lamb

Methods and compositions modulate the activity of electrically excitable cells. Photovoltaic compounds which, upon exposure to light energy, increase or decrease the electrical activity of cells. These supplement and/or replace of vision based on the conversion of light energy to electrical energy within certain cells of the visual system. A 'patch' or bridge to circumvent one or more defective, damaged, or diseased cells in the visual system. Additionally, in several embodiments, subjects with normal vision can benefit from the methods, compositions, systems, and/or devices disclosed herein as normal visual acuity can be heightened. The exposure induces an energy (e.g., a receipt of light energy, conversion to electrical energy, and passage of that electrical energy) from the photovoltaic compound to the cell, thereby altering the transmembrane potential of the cell and/or the opening of one or more ion channels, thereby modulating the activity of the electrically excitable cell.

Photoactivated molecules for light-induced modulation of the activity of electrically excitable cells and methods of using same

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for the modulation of the activity of electrically excitable cells. In particular, several embodiments relate to the use of photovoltaic compounds which, upon exposure to light energy, increase or decrease the electrical activity of cells.

Photoactivated molecules for light-induced modulation of the activity of electrically excitable cells and methods of using the same

Growing community of inventors

Pasadena, CA, United States of America

Robert H Chow