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Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Gold Nanorod-assisted Optical Stimulation of Neuronal Cells
Published on: April 27, 2015
Transcranial and precise optical neuromodulation mediated by NIR photoactive nanosheets
Deqi Yang1, Ya Zhang2,3, Yun Yuan1
1Research Center for Translational Medicine, Medical Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, The Institute for Biomedical Engineering & Nano Science, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
Researchers developed a novel nanophotonic neural interface using modified MXene nanosheets for precise, non-invasive transcranial optical neuromodulation. This method enables targeted neuron activation with subcellular resolution and millisecond precision, advancing neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neurophotonics
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Neuromodulation is crucial for understanding neural circuits and treating neurological disorders.
- Current methods like electrode stimulation are invasive and lack spatiotemporal precision.
- Optical neuromodulation offers potential but requires genetic modification or invasive implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a non-invasive, precise transcranial optical neuromodulation technique.
- To establish a nanophotonic neural interface for efficient neuron modulation.
- To demonstrate the capability of modulating non-transgenic neurons with high resolution.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polyethylene glycol-modified two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx (MXene) as photoactive nanosheets (PANS).
- Developed a robust PANS-neuron interface for enhanced signal transduction.
- Applied near-infrared (NIR) light for transcranial stimulation of targeted neurons.
Main Results:
- Achieved efficient modulation of non-transgenic neurons with subcellular resolution and millisecond precision.
- Evoked neuronal action potentials in brain slices with 98.33% synchronization.
- Facilitated in vivo neuronal firing and regulated mouse behavior via targeted neural circuit activation.
Conclusions:
- The PANS-enabled interface provides precise, non-invasive transcranial optical neuromodulation.
- This approach eliminates the need for invasive implants and genetic manipulation.
- Offers significant potential for advancing neurophotonics and neuroscience research.
