Photoreceptor-Mimetic Microflowers for Restoring Light Responses in Degenerative Retina through a 2D Nanopetal/Cell...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Retinitis pigmentosa is a leading cause of inherited blindness due to photoreceptor (PR) dysfunction.
• Optoelectronic stimulation offers a promising approach for retinal repair, but challenges remain in achieving precise spatiotemporal accuracy.
• Existing methods may not fully preserve retinal structural and genetic integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a biomimetic photoelectric interface for restoring light response in PR-degenerative mice.
• To mimic the natural structure and dispersion of photoreceptors using quantum dot-doped microflowers.
• To assess the potential of this interface for visual function restoration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of quantum dot-doped ZnIn2S4 microflowers (MF) forming a 0D/3D heterostructure.
• Implantation of the MF bio-interface into the retina of PR-degenerative mice.
• Evaluation of the interface's ability to restore light responses in retinal ganglion cells using patch-clamp recordings and functional imaging.

Main Results:

• The MF bio-interface successfully restored light responses in seven types of retinal ganglion cells.
• The distribution of responsive cells mimicked the pattern observed in normal mice, suggesting the generation of a 'neural code'.
• Single-neuron recordings confirmed the induction of spiking and postsynaptic currents by the bio-interface.

Conclusions:

• The developed biomimetic photoelectric interface shows potential for restoring visual function in retinitis pigmentosa.
• This technology could form the basis of a bionic subretinal prosthetic toolkit.
• Further research may lead to advanced treatments for inherited blindness.