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Control of Neuronal Survival and Development Using Conductive Diamond
Samira Falahatdoost1, Yair D J Prawer2, Danli Peng1
1School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 17, 2024
Summary
Nitrogen-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (N-UNCD) controls neuronal survival and development. Near-infrared light stimulation of N-UNCD generates photocurrents, enhancing neuronal networks and promoting tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Neuroscience
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Neuronal survival and network synchronization are crucial for neural tissue engineering.
- Developing biocompatible platforms for noninvasive neural stimulation is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of nitrogen-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (N-UNCD) for controlling neuronal survival and development.
- To explore N-UNCD's potential in regulating neuronal activity through near-infrared (NIR) illumination.
Main Methods:
- Utilized N-UNCD substrates for neuronal cell culture.
- Applied near-infrared illumination to stimulate N-UNCD and induce photocurrents.
- Performed whole transcriptome RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- N-UNCD substrates enhanced neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth.
- NIR illumination of N-UNCD generated stable photocurrents, fostering active and synchronized neuronal networks.
- RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of extracellular matrix and gap junction genes, indicating improved cellular-substrate interaction.
Conclusions:
- Conductive diamond, specifically N-UNCD, serves as a robust and biocompatible platform for neural tissue engineering.
- N-UNCD enables noninvasive, light-controlled regulation of neuronal activity, survival, and network function.
