Smart Optogenetics for Real‐Time Automated Control of Cardiac Electrical Activity

Read full text
Authors: Shanliang Deng, Niels J. Harlaar, Juan Zhang, Sven O. Dekker, Nina Kudryashova, Huiling Zhou, Cindy I. Bart, Tianyi Jin, Georgy Derevyanko, Willem van Driel, Alexander V. Panfilov, René H. Poelma
+4 more Antoine A. F. de Vries, Guo Qi Zhang, Tim De Coster, Daniël A. Pijnappels
Cited by: 3
References: 54

Abstract

Control theory underpins the stabilization of dynamic systems, including cardiac tissue, where disruptions in electrical conduction cause arrhythmias. Current treatments either act rapidly but without precision or deliver targeted interventions that cannot adapt in real time. We present an integrated platform combining optical voltage mapping (OVM), machine learning (ML), and optogenetics for autonomous, real-time detection and correction of cardiac rhythm disorders in vitro. OVM provides high-resolution membrane potential visualization; the ML module identifies arrhythmic events and drives microLED-based light patterns restoring normal conduction; and optogenetics enables light-based modulation of excitable cells. This integration of electrical, optical, and bioelectrical domains through a unified computational control layer enables adaptive, closed-loop rhythm stabilization, a significant advance in real-time electrophysiological interventions. Because inference and actuation run in real time on modest hardware, the same control loop could be embedded into miniaturized devices or microcontrollers, accelerating the transition from in-vitro to in-vivo automated rhythm management.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Photoreceptor and optogenetics research Plant and Biological Electrophysiology Studies Neuroscience and Neural Engineering

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Science
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
13
Issue
20
Pages
e22759–e22759
Publication date
13 February 2026
Language
EN