Remote nongenetic optical modulation of neuronal activity using fuzzy graphene

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Cellular electrophysiology modulation is crucial for understanding biological processes and diseases.
• Existing methods for controlling cellular activity often require genetic modification or lack remote, light-induced control.
• There is a need for precise, nongenetic tools to manipulate cellular activity in 2D and 3D systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel hybrid nanomaterial for remote, nongenetic, light-induced photothermal stimulation of neural cells.
• To achieve subcellular precision in stimulating 2D and 3D cellular systems.
• To provide a versatile tool for cell signaling research and potential therapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hybrid nanomaterial combining one-dimensional (1D) nanowires (NWs) and two-dimensional (2D) graphene flakes grown out-of-plane.
• Utilizing NW-templated 3D fuzzy graphene (NT-3DFG) for photothermal stimulation.
• Employing low laser energies (sub-100 nanojoules) for stimulation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated highly controlled photothermal stimulation at subcellular precision.
• Achieved stimulation with significantly lower laser energies compared to existing nanomaterials (Au, C, Si).
• The NT-3DFG material exhibits broadband absorption and does not induce cellular stress.

Conclusions:

• The developed hybrid nanomaterial enables precise, remote, nongenetic photothermal control of neural cells in 2D and 3D platforms.
• This technology offers a powerful and flexible tool for investigating cell signaling and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
• The low energy requirement and lack of cellular stress make it suitable for complex biological studies.