Nanotechnology and Neural Interfaces
8 July 2007Nanotechnology is making inroads into a new technology known as neuroprosthetics, enabling Nano-devices to repair impaired nervous systems in the brain. Currently, some devices—known as neural interfaces—exist to help coordinate motor control with thought processes. Early adopters of the technology include the military but the full blown application could include help for disabled people as well.
European researchers have already built neuron interfaces using single-walled carbon nanotubes. These nanotubes are especially suited for these applications because of their electrical and chemical properties. Devices using the nanotubes have been developed to stimulate brain activity, and could lead to applications such as brain implants for people with Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy, among others. Further, visually impaired people could benefit from an application that uses a digital camera and a retinal implant to transmit images to the patient.
Mathematical models have been developed to show how neurons and the carbon nanotubes integrate together. Some preliminary work has been done using cultured rat hippocampal cells on films on carbon nanotubes to promote neuronal growth. Results reveal a tight coupling between neurons and the carbon nanotubes, giving researchers a more precise understanding of how to design devices that exploit that full potential of neural interfaces.
Ultimately, researchers believe it will be possible to repair lost neural functions using nano enabled micro devices. Continuing research in the precise interaction between synaptic brain activity and carbon nano devices could lead to commercial brain pacemakers to alleviate a variety of neurological disorders.
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