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Polydopamine Nanoparticle-Mediated Precise Near-Infrared Optical Stimulation for Cognitive Enhancement
Yan-Bo Zhou1, Qiong Xue1, Su-Xuan Hou1
1Department of Anesthesiology Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|July 28, 2026
Summary
This study introduces precise transcranial near-infrared (NIR) neuromodulation using polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) to enhance cognitive function. The technique successfully improved spatial memory in mice by modulating neuronal activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Transcranial neuromodulation techniques often lack precision and sufficient depth for effective therapeutic intervention.
- Cognitive dysfunction, including perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PND), presents a significant clinical challenge requiring novel treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a precise transcranial near-infrared (NIR) neuromodulation technique utilizing polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) for treating cognitive dysfunction.
- To elucidate the in vitro and in vivo mechanisms of PDA NP-mediated NIR neuromodulation.
- To assess the therapeutic efficacy of this novel approach in improving cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of 490 nm polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) as photothermal nanomediators.
- Application of 1064 nm NIR stimulation on PC12 cells and a perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PND) mouse model.
- In vitro analysis of calcium activity, TRPV1 channel involvement, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels.
- In vivo assessment of neuronal calcium activity, gamma oscillations in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), and spatial memory performance.
Main Results:
- PDA NP-mediated NIR stimulation demonstrated a power-dependent regulatory effect on cellular calcium activity in vitro.
- TRPV1 channels were identified as mediators of NIR-induced calcium activation, leading to enhanced mitochondrial function and ATP production.
- In vivo, the treatment increased neuronal calcium activity and strengthened gamma oscillations in the hippocampal DG.
- Significant improvements in spatial memory were observed in both naive and cognitively impaired mice.
Conclusions:
- PDA NP-mediated NIR neuromodulation represents a precise and effective strategy for modulating neuronal activity.
- This technique shows significant potential for therapeutic applications in cognitive dysfunction and related neurological disorders.
- The study highlights the promise of nanomaterial-guided photothermal neuromodulation for advancing brain stimulation therapies.
