Nanotechnology for Neuromodulation

Neuromodulation is a basic neuroscience research tool used to analyze and understand brain function and is one of the most important tools for treating brain dysfunction. The use of nanotechnology as a novel modality of neuromodulation has the advantages of less invasiveness, improved bio-interfaces, deeper penetration, and higher spatiotemporal precision.

As a leader in innovative biotechnology, Creative Biolabs explores neuromodulation strategies and presents relevant nanotechnology advances for researchers, and is dedicated to serving researchers in neuroscience research.

Neuromodulation Strategies

In the brain, neuromodulation coordinates neural circuits in an effort to achieve optimal function. Traditional approaches to neuromodulation typically involve large-scale interventions, but developments in this field have now paved the way for more precise, efficient and targeted strategies. The realization of the potential of nanotechnology has led to the conception of innovative paradigms that operate at the molecular level.

Neuromodulation methods include electrical methods, optical, chemical, acoustic and magnetic approaches. Of these, optogenetics has rapidly emerged as a powerful neuromodulation tool. Nanoparticle-directed light pulses can influence neuronal behavior with unparalleled precision. The combination of nanotechnology and optogenetics is capable of fine-tuning neural circuits with previously unimaginable levels of control.

Nanotechnology-Enabled Neuromodulation

Nanotechnology's ascent into the landscape of neuromodulation unveils an array of groundbreaking possibilities. Nanotechnology as a novel mode of neuromodulation has the advantages of less invasiveness, improved bio-interfaces, deeper penetration and higher spatiotemporal precision. Nanotechnology, as well as multifunctional nanomaterials and nanoscale devices with favorable physical properties, have also led to a series of important research advances in the field of neuromodulation.

• Scientists are actively working on flexible electronics with nanoscale building blocks to deliver electrical stimuli to the central nervous system for electrical modulation.
• The application of optogenetics to neuromodulation has typically been limited in terms of light penetration, invasiveness, and the need for genetic modification. The power of nanotechnology has made significant progress in addressing these limitations.
• A major drawback to the use of chemical genetics in behavioral studies is the low temporal resolution required for systemic administration and GPCR activation. Nanoclusters can catalyze neural signaling pathways and more localized neuromodulation through controlled kinetics, such as iron-sulfide-based nanocatalysts that catalyze the local generation of nitric oxide (NO).

Challenges and Developments in Next-generation Neuromodulation Models

Recent advances in nanotechnology are revolutionizing neuroscience research by enabling new ways of neuromodulation.

• The diverse selection of combinatorial approaches to modulation depends heavily on the specific neuromodulatory application as well as the accessibility of the target cell population.
• Nanoscale platforms are significantly less invasive, but not completely non-invasive.
• The next generation of neuromodulation will greatly benefit from the synergies between neurotechnology, tissue engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence.

Multidisciplinary cooperation and multiple collaborations are needed to address these issues and to keep advancing the use of nanotechnology in neuromodulation.

At Creative Biolabs, through tireless research and collaboration, we are unraveling the mysteries of nanotechnology neuromodulation. If you need any related services, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Yang X, et al. Nanotechnology enables novel modalities for neuromodulation. Advanced Materials, 2021, 33(52): 2103208.

For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.