1 research outputs found
Semiconducting Polymer Nanobioconjugates for Targeted Photothermal Activation of Neurons
Optogenetics provides powerful means
for precise control of neuronal
activity; however, the requirement of transgenesis and the incapability
to extend the neuron excitation window into the deep-tissue-penetrating
near-infrared (NIR) region partially limit its application. We herein
report a potential alternative approach to optogenetics using semiconducting
polymer nanobioconjugates (SPNs<sub>bc</sub>) as the photothermal
nanomodulator to control the thermosensitive ion channels in neurons.
SPNs<sub>bc</sub> are designed to efficiently absorb the NIR light
at 808 nm and have a photothermal conversion efficiency higher than
that of gold nanorods. By virtue of the fast heating capability in
conjunction with the precise targeting to the thermosensitive ion
channel, SPNs<sub>bc</sub> can specifically and rapidly activate the
intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx of neuronal cells in a reversible
and safe manner. Our study provides an organic nanoparticle based
strategy that eliminates the need for genetic transfection to remotely
regulate cellular machinery