Researchers develop nanomaterial that stimulates brain cells without surgery

Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology INST an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology DST have developed a special nanomaterial that can ldquotalkrdquo to neurons naturallyThe discovery could transform treatment for brain disorders said the teamThe special nanomaterial called graphitic carbon nitride gC3N4 can stimulate brain cells without the need for electrodes lasers or magnetsThe findings published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces demonstrate that graphitic carbon nitride helps neurons grow mature and communicate more effectively by tapping into the brainrsquos own electrical activityldquoThis is the first demonstration of semiconducting nanomaterials directly modulating neurons without external stimulationrdquo said Dr Manish Singh who led the study from INSTldquoIt opens new therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinsonrsquos and Alzheimerrsquosrdquo Singh addedThe material also boosted dopamine production in labgrown brainlike cells and reduced toxic proteins linked to Parkinsonrsquos disease in animal modelsNormally treatments such as deep brain stimulation DBS require surgical implants while other methods use magnetic or ultrasound waves to reach brain tissue Although these are effective they are also invasive or limitedGraphitic carbon nitride on the other hand can ldquotalkrdquo to neurons naturallyWhen placed near nerve cells it generates tiny electric fields in response to the brainrsquos voltage signals These fields open calcium channels on neurons triggering growth and improving connections between cells without any external deviceThe material acting like a smart switch responds to neuronsrsquo resting and active states creating the right conditions for healthy brain activityThis biocompatible nanomaterial with the ability to stimulate brain cells and reduce diseaselinked proteins offers a potential noninvasive therapy for millionsThe breakthrough could also impact futuristic technologies such as ldquobrainware computingrdquoScientists worldwide are experimenting with brain organoids tiny labgrown brain tissues as biological processors Coupling them with semiconducting nanomaterials like gCN could make these living computers more efficient opening new frontiers in bioinspired computingThe researchers pointed out that more preclinical and clinical studies are needed before human applicationsldquoWe believe this marks a paradigm shift in neuromodulation research ldquoFrom treating brain injuries to managing neurodegeneration semiconducting nanomaterials hold immense promise for the futurerdquo Dr Singh added