All-optical electrophysiology

 

Q-State Biosciences has invented a suite of genetic, cell culture, optical, and computational tools that convert neuronal firing patterns into quantifiable pulses of light.  Q-State’s proprietary fluorescent voltage indicating protein has greater speed, sensitivity, and stability than any other fluorescent voltage indicator.  Upon expression in a neuron, the fluorescence dynamics faithfully reproduce the action potential and sub-threshold voltages.  Q-State uses this technology, in combination with simultaneous optical stimulation and Ca2+ imaging, to provide a functional readout in cell-based models of neuronal disease. 

 

Q-State technology provides greater precision, higher throughput, and vastly higher information content than any other technology for profiling neural function at the single-cell level.  The temporal and spatial resolution of Q-State measurements far surpass the capabilities of manual patch clamp, multielectrode arrays or calcium sensitive dyes.