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Near-Infrared-Light Activatable Nanoparticles for Deep-Tissue-Penetrating Wireless Optogenetics
Nuo Yu1,2, Ling Huang1, Yubin Zhou3
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|January 12, 2019
Summary
Wireless optogenetic tools using near-infrared light offer less invasive control over cellular functions. These advanced nanomaterials enable remote manipulation of cellular pathways, paving the way for novel therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Optogenetics offers precise control over cell activity but typically uses visible light, requiring invasive probes and causing tissue damage.
- Near-infrared (NIR) light penetrates tissues deeply, enabling less invasive optogenetic approaches with reduced side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in NIR-activatable nanomaterials for wireless optogenetics.
- To summarize design strategies and synthesis methods for these advanced materials.
Main Methods:
- Discusses two primary types of NIR-activatable optogenetic tools: upconversion nanoparticles and NIR absorbers coupled with thermosensitive proteins.
- Reviews design strategies and synthetic methods for creating these nanomaterials.
Main Results:
- NIR-activatable optogenetic tools enable low-invasive remote control of cellular signaling pathways.
- These tools utilize either NIR-to-visible light conversion or NIR-to-heat conversion.
Conclusions:
- NIR-activatable optogenetics presents a promising, minimally invasive approach for therapeutic applications.
- Potential applications include treatments for cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
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