Flexible and light-responsive sensors developed to advance neurological research and treatment.
In an inventive research the scientists from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA have introduced a novel light-induced technique to create flexible sensors that can wrap around neurons at a subcellular level. Using azobenzene polymer thin films, these sensors offer interaction with neuronal membranes, facilitating more accurate monitoring and modulation of neuronal activity. This holds promise in neuroprosthetics, targeted drug delivery, and research on neurodegenerative diseases, appealing to researchers, clinicians, and biomedical engineers aiming to improve diagnostics and treatment methods in neurology.
The unique design of these sensors addresses a major challenge in neuronal research such that traditional devices often lack the flexibility needed to conform to the complex structures of neurons. By using azobenzene polymers, known for their light-responsive characteristics, researchers have created a solution that adapts to the delicate neuronal shapes, making it beneficial for applications requiring precise cellular-level interactions. For neuroscientists and healthcare researchers, these sensors provide critical insights into neuronal functions and lay a foundation for therapeutic interventions.
To construct these sensors, the team selected poly(disperse red 1 methacrylate) (pDR1M) due to its optimal light-responsive properties. The pDR1M solution was applied to cultured neuronal cells with careful precision, ensuring minimal impact on the cellular environment. When exposed to specific light wavelengths (545–555 nm), the sensors undergo a transformation known as trans-cis isomerization, which makes them fold and wrap around neuronal processes. This folding mechanism can be directed via polarised light, allowing the sensor to achieve a close and customised fit with different neuronal morphologies.
Key assessments of the sensors included mechanical properties which confirmed their resilience and flexibility, essential for functioning under physiological conditions. Biocompatibility testing demonstrated that these sensors do not harm neuronal cells, making them suitable for long-term studies. Moreover, the sensors remained stable in physiological media at 37°C, a critical factor for maintaining consistent interaction with neuronal tissues over extended periods.
The results confirmed that these azobenzene polymer sensors effectively conform to neuronal structures, improving the sensor-neuron interface. By enabling precise coupling with neuronal membranes, this technology supports neuromodulation and electrophysiological sensing, enhancing studies related to electrical stimulation and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers envision further development by integrating optoelectronic and nanomaterials, which could allow the sensors to deliver targeted electrical impulses or therapeutic agents, offering a tool for those improving neurological research and treatment.
In conclusion, the light-responsive azobenzene polymer sensors developed in this study represent a significant leap in neuroscience. These flexible, biocompatible sensors provide high-resolution neuronal monitoring and modulation, holding potential to advance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in neurology.
