Interfacing artificial devices with the human brain is the central goal of neurotechnology. Yet, our imaginations are often limited by currently available paradigms and technologies. Suggestions for brain-machine interfaces have changed over time, along with the available technology. Mechanical levers and cable winches were used to move parts of the brain during the mechanical age. Sophisticated electronic wiring and remote control have arisen during the electronic age, ultimately leading to plug-and-play computer interfaces. Nonetheless, our brains are so complex that these visions, until recently, largely remained unreachable dreams. The general problem, thus far, is that most of our technology is mechanically and/or electrically engineered, whereas the brain is a living, dynamic entity. As a result, these worlds are difficult to interface with one another. Nanotechnology, which encompasses engineered solid-state objects and integrated circuits, excels at small length scales of single to a few hundred nanometers and, thus, matches the sizes of biomolecules, biomolecular assemblies, and parts of cells. Consequently, we envision nanomaterials and nanotools as opportunities to interface with the brain in alternative ways. Here, we review the existing literature on the use of nanotechnology in brain-machine interfaces and look forward in discussing perspectives and limitations based on the authors' expertise across a range of complementary disciplines─from neuroscience, engineering, physics, and chemistry to biology and medicine, computer science and mathematics, and social science and jurisprudence. We focus on nanotechnology but also include information from related fields when useful and complementary.

• Klíčová slova
• Nanoneuro interface, brain-on-a-chip, brain−machine interfaces, control of ion channels, deep brain stimulation, electrode arrays, extracellular recordings, nanostructured interface, neuro-implants, neuronal communication,
• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mozek * fyziologie   MeSH
• nanotechnologie * MeSH
• rozhraní mozek-počítač * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH

Recent advances in light-responsive materials enabled the development of devices that can wirelessly activate tissue with light. Here it is shown that solution-processed organic heterojunctions can stimulate the activity of primary neurons at low intensities of light via photochemical reactions. The p-type semiconducting polymer PDCBT and the n-type semiconducting small molecule ITIC (a non-fullerene acceptor) are coated on glass supports, forming a p-n junction with high photosensitivity. Patch clamp measurements show that low-intensity white light is converted into a cue that triggers action potentials in primary cortical neurons. The study shows that neat organic semiconducting p-n bilayers can exchange photogenerated charges with oxygen and other chemical compounds in cell culture conditions. Through several controlled experimental conditions, photo-capacitive, photo-thermal, and direct hydrogen peroxide effects on neural function are excluded, with photochemical delivery being the possible mechanism. The profound advantages of low-intensity photo-chemical intervention with neuron electrophysiology pave the way for developing wireless light-based therapy based on emerging organic semiconductors.

• Klíčová slova
• non-fullerene acceptors, organic bioelectronics, photo-stimulation,
• MeSH
• buněčné kultury MeSH
• chemická stimulace MeSH
• neurony * MeSH
• polovodiče * MeSH
• polymery chemie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• polymery MeSH

A versatile device for a patch-clamp amplifier is described. This device contains: (i) an acoustic indicator to monitor the input resistance of the patch pipette, which is used in search-mode to indicate the formation of seals; (ii) two pulse generators; and (iii) a staircase generator to produce various pulse and voltage step programs; (iv) a low-pass filter which is used to filter the output of the patch clamp amplifier; and (v) a remote control which is used to control the entire patch clamp experiment. This remote control is used to switch between search-, current clamp-, and voltage clamp-mode, to activate the respective stimulus potential programs, and to control the tape recorder. This electronic device can be easily connected to patch clamp amplifiers.

• MeSH
• elektrofyziologie přístrojové vybavení   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH