New discovery shows that a unique nanomaterial called graphitic carbon nitride (g-C N ) has been shown to stimulate your brain cells without the need for invasive tools like electrodes, lasers or magnets.
In a big scientific breakthrough Indian scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST)have recently made a discovery that could transform treatments for brain disorders with a simple nanomaterial that can “talk” to neurons naturally.
Researchers have revealed that a unique nanomaterial called graphitic carbon nitride (g-C N ) has been shown to stimulate your brain cells without the need for invasive tools like electrodes, lasers or magnets.
What Is g-C N ?
The finding that is now published in the Journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces shows how g-C N may help neurons grow, mature, and communicate more effectively by responding to the brain’s own electrical activity. Interestingly, the nanomaterial has also proven to boost dopamine production in the lab-grown brain-like cells, while reducing toxic proteins that are linked to Parkinson’s disease in animal models.
“This is the first demonstration of semiconducting nanomaterials directly modulating neurons without external stimulation,” said Dr. Manish Singh, who led the study. “It opens new therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.”
“We believe this marks a paradigm shift in neuromodulation research. “From treating brain injuries to managing neurodegeneration, semiconducting nanomaterials hold immense promise for the future,” Dr. Singh added.
How Does g-C N Work?
Unlike current treatments like deep brain stimulation (DBS) which requires surgery, the newly discovered biocompatible material may naturally interact with neurons by generating tiny electric field that opens calcium channels promoting cell growth and connectivity.
Explaining how the nanomaterial works, scientists from INST say that when you place it near nerve cells, it generates tiny electric fields in response to the brain’s voltage signals. These fields open calcium channels on neurons, triggering growth and improving connections between cells without any external device.
Increasing Cases Of Alzheimer’s And Parkinson’s In India
With an ageing global population, diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are becoming increasingly common. In order to combate the ongoing problems of cognitive function researchers from INST chose this semiconducting material with the hypothesis that in the presence of negative membrane potential, this material would be in the ON state and stimulate the cells, whereas, in the presence of positive membrane potential, it would be in the OFF state, thereby preventing the cells from undergoing the fatigue state.
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