DOI: https://doi.org/10.29363/nanoge.liv-act.2022.003
Publication date: 8th September 2022
Current implant technology exploits electrical signaling at the electrode-neural interface. This approach has fundamental problems which limit both the performance and safety of the implants, bearing high invasiveness. Inducing light sensitivity in living organisms is an alternative approach that provides ground breaking opportunities in neuroscience. Optogenetics is a spectacular demonstration of this, yet limited by the viral transfection of exogenous genetic material. In this talk I will describe alternative approaches aimed at NON-genetically inducing light sensitivity in cells or organism by using light-responsive nanostructures (0.1-1 um) or molecular actuators that trigger signaling cascades. The photophysics of the actuators is fully characterized, both in vitro as well in vivo, and their effect on prokaryiotic and eukaryiotic cells investigated.