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Neural modulation with photothermally active nanomaterials.

Yingqiao Wang^1,2, Raghav Garg^1,2, Devora Cohen-Karni³

¹Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Nature Reviews Bioengineering

|September 2, 2024

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Photothermal modulation uses nanomaterials and light to precisely control neural electrical activity. This non-genetic method offers new ways to study neural communication and treat disorders.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Biotechnology
Materials Science

Background:

Precise neural electrophysiology modulation is crucial for understanding neural communication and treating neurological disorders.
Photothermal modulation presents a non-genetic, remote method for neural control with high spatiotemporal resolution.
The technique relies on localized temperature changes induced by photothermally active nanomaterials at cell membranes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the fundamental material properties and illumination conditions for nanomaterial-assisted photothermal neural excitation and inhibition.
To examine the application of photothermal modulation in investigating neural electrophysiology and signaling pathways.
To highlight challenges and future directions for clinical translation.

Main Methods:

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Last Updated: Jun 14, 2025

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Discussion of material properties of photothermally active nanomaterials.
Analysis of illumination conditions for effective photothermal neural modulation.
Review of studies utilizing photothermal techniques in 2D and 3D cell cultures and tissues.

Main Results:

Photothermal modulation enables precise, localized temperature changes affecting cell membrane electrical properties or ion channels.
The technique facilitates direct investigation of neural electrophysiology and signaling pathways.
Successful application demonstrated in various in vitro and tissue models.

Conclusions:

Photothermal modulation is a versatile tool for precise neural control and investigation.
Key challenges include cellular specificity, efficient light delivery, and biointerface stability.
Overcoming these challenges is essential for the clinical translation of this technology.