Hybrid-Nanomaterials for Cellular Activity Modulation

My team’s efforts are focused on three major thrusts: (i) synthesis and in depth mechanistic investigation of the unique emergent optical, thermal, electrical and electrochemical properties of novel hybrid-nanomaterials and nanomaterials topologies composed on one-dimensional and two-dimensional building blocks, (ii) application and characterization of hybrid-nanomaterials interfaces with cells and tissue, and (iii) development and engineering of nanomaterials-based platforms to interrogate and affect the electrical properties of tissue and cells such as cardiomyocytes, and neurons, with a specific focus to understand electrical signal transduction in complex 3D cellular assemblies. In this talk I will review our current efforts to control cellular activity using photoactive hybrid-nanomaterials. Light has proven itself as a powerful tool to remotely modulate cellular activity with minimal invasiveness. We present a safe neural modulation approach with sub-µJ incident energy using engineered nanostructured Si, Ge, C (out-on-plane grown graphene), and two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides nanoflakes without generating cellular stress. Our approach serves as a powerful toolset for studies of cell signaling within and between tissues and can enable therapeutic interventions. Expanding the material library for safe optical modulation and the systematic evaluation of their biosafety will inspire future clinical translation to achieve remote control of cells/tissue in vivo.