journal article·2026-04Open access

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

Shanliang Deng, Niels Harlaar, Juan Zhang, Sven O. Dekker, Nina N. Kudryashova, Huiling Zhou, Cindy I. Bart, TianYi Jin, Georgy Derevyanko, Willem van Driel, Alexander V. Panfilov, René H. Poelma, Antoine A. F. de Vries, GuoQi Zhang, Tim De Coster, Daniël A. Pijnappels

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 20

Abstract

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.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Photoreceptor and optogenetics research · Plant and Biological Electrophysiology Studies · Neuroscience and Neural Engineering

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology Department of Cardiology Heart Lung Centre Leiden Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands

Department of Microelectronics Delft University of Technology Delft The Netherlands

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Concordia University Montreal Quebec Canada

Funding

European Research Council

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