In a discovery that could transform treatment for brain disorders, scientists have shown that a special nanomaterial called graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) can stimulate brain cells—without the need for electrodes, lasers, or magnets.
The findings, published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, demonstrate that graphitic carbon nitride helps neurons grow, mature, and communicate more effectively by tapping into the brain’s own electrical activity. Remarkably, the material also boosted dopamine production in lab-grown brain-like cells and reduced toxic proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease in animal models.
Normally, treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) require surgical implants, while other methods use magnetic or ultrasound waves to reach brain tissue. These are effective but invasive or limited.
By contrast, graphitic carbon nitride which has been identified by scientists from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is able to “talk” to neurons naturally. When placed near nerve cells, it generates tiny electric fields in response to the brain’s voltage signals. These fields open calcium channels on neurons, triggering growth and improving connections between cells—without any external device.
Figure: Schematic for our proposed mechanism of g-C3N4 induced neuronal differentiation and network formation. Neuronal cells undergo action potential (+55mV) from resting membrane potential (-90 mV).
The material, acting like a smart switch, responds to neurons’ resting and active states, creating the right conditions for healthy brain activity.
With an ageing global population, diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are becoming increasingly common.
In order to address this problem researchers from INST chose this semiconducting material with the hypothesis that in the presence of negative membrane potential, this material would be in the ON state and stimulate the cells, whereas, in the presence of positive membrane potential, it would be in the OFF state, thereby preventing the cells from undergoing the fatigue state.
They confirmed the hypothesis based on extensive experimentations that included Ca2+ imaging studies to understand neuronal network formation and maturation, gene expression analysis, and immunofluorescence-based study.
This biocompatible nanomaterial with the ability to stimulate brain cells and reduce disease-linked proteins, offers a potential non-invasive therapy for millions.
“This is the first demonstration of semiconducting nanomaterials directly modulating neurons without external stimulation,” said Dr. Manish Singh, who led the study. “It opens new therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.”
The breakthrough could also impact futuristic technologies such as “brainware computing.” Scientists worldwide are experimenting with brain organoids—tiny lab-grown brain tissues—as biological processors. Coupling them with semiconducting nanomaterials like g-C₃N₄ could make these living computers more efficient, opening new frontiers in bio-inspired computing.
The team at INST pointed out that more preclinical and clinical studies are needed before human applications.
“We believe this marks a paradigm shift in neuromodulation research. “From treating brain injuries to managing neurodegeneration, semiconducting nanomaterials hold immense promise for the future,” Dr. Singh added.
This research will open an avenue towards therapeutic application of semiconductors for tissue engineering purposes which can help in treating brain injuries or manage neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Publication link: Doi: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.4c19242
For more details contact Dr. Manish Singh (manish[at]inst[dot]ac[dot]in).
