Semiconducting Polymer Nanobioconjugates for Targeted Photothermal Activation of Neurons.

J Am Chem Soc

School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637457, Singapore.

Published: July 2016

AI Article Synopsis

  • Optogenetics allows precise control of neurons but is limited by the need for genetic modification and inability to operate in deep tissues.
  • Researchers propose an alternative using semiconducting polymer nanobioconjugates (SPNsbc) that absorb near-infrared light, effectively heating neurons without the need for genetic changes.
  • This method can activate calcium influx in neurons quickly and reversibly, offering a safer way to control neuronal activity.

Article Abstract

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 (SPNsbc) as the photothermal nanomodulator to control the thermosensitive ion channels in neurons. SPNsbc 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, SPNsbc can specifically and rapidly activate the intracellular Ca(2+) 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.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jacs.6b05192DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

semiconducting polymer
8
polymer nanobioconjugates
8
thermosensitive ion
8
nanobioconjugates targeted
4
targeted photothermal
4
photothermal activation
4
activation neurons
4
neurons optogenetics
4
optogenetics powerful
4
powerful precise
4

Similar Publications

Efficient room-temperature sensors for toxic gases are essential to ensure a safe and healthy life. Conducting frameworks have shown great promise in advancing gas sensing technologies. In this study, two new organic-inorganic frameworks [CuX(PPh)(L)], CP1 (X = I) and CP2 (X = Br) have been synthesized using (pyridin-4-yl)-N-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)methanimine (L) and triphenylphosphine.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Osteoblastic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on P3HT Thin Polymer Film.

J Funct Biomater

January 2025

Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.

Bone defects restoration has always been an arduous challenge in the orthopedic field due to the limitations of conventional grafts. Bone tissue engineering offers an alternative approach by using biomimetic materials, stem cells, and growth factors that are able to improve the regeneration of bone tissue. Different biomaterials have attracted great interest in BTE applications, including the poly(3-hexylthiofene) (P3HT) conductive polymer, whose primary advantage is its capability to provide a native extracellular matrix-like environment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Electrodes functionalised with weak electroactive microorganisms offer a viable alternative to conventional chemical sensors for detecting priority pollutants in bioremediation processes. Biofilm-based biosensors have been proposed for this purpose. However, biofilm formation and maturation require 24-48 h, and the microstructure and coverage of the electrode surface cannot be controlled, leading to poorly reproducible signal and sensitivity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Conjugated coordination polymers (c-CPs), a novel class of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, are distinguished by their unique structural characteristics and exceptional charge transport properties. The electronic properties of these materials are critically determined by the constituting coordination atoms, with electron-rich selenol ligands emerging as promising candidates for constructing high-mobility semiconducting c-CPs. Currently, c-CPs incorporating selenium-substituted ligands remain scarce.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Energy crisis and environmental pollution are two central themes of contemporary research towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Material chemistry is the chief discipline that can resolve glitches in these areas through the appropriate design of chemical compounds with multifunctional properties. In this regard, two stable coordination polymers (CPs) were synthesised in this work using Zn(II) (3d) and Cd(II) (d) metal nodes with 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate () as the bridging ligand and monodentate pyridyl-N coordinated 9-fluoren-2-yl-pyridin-4-ylmethylene-amine (flpy) as the fluorogenic partner.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!