Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 24: In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) have developed a biocompatible nanomaterial that can naturally interact with brain cells — a discovery that could revolutionize treatment for neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
The material, called graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), can stimulate neurons without the use of invasive tools like electrodes, magnets, or lasers. Instead, it responds to the brain’s own electrical signals, generating micro electric fields that encourage neural growth and communication.
Published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, the study marks the first time a semiconducting nanomaterial has been shown to directly modulate neurons without any external stimulation, according to lead researcher Dr. Manish Singh.
In lab tests, g-C3N4 was shown to boost dopamine production and reduce toxic protein build-up associated with Parkinson’s. In animal models, the material not only enhanced brain cell activity but also reduced markers of neurodegeneration — all without surgery or implants.
Unlike traditional approaches such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), which involves invasive surgery, or non-invasive methods that often lack precision, this nanomaterial works in harmony with brain cells. When placed near neurons, it activates calcium channels, promoting healthier neural connections and potentially reversing damage.
Beyond healthcare, the breakthrough could impact emerging fields like brain-inspired computing. Scientists envision using this nanotechnology with brain organoids — tiny lab-grown brain tissues — to create hybrid biological-electronic processors, possibly leading to a new era of living computers.
While the results are promising, the researchers emphasize that further preclinical and clinical trials are necessary before the technology can be applied to humans. Still, they believe this development marks a paradigm shift in how brain disorders may be understood and treated in the future.