Conspectus
Studying the formation and interactions between
biological systems
and artificial materials is significant for probing complex biophysical
behaviors and addressing challenging biomedical problems. Bioelectrical
interfaces, especially nanostructure-based, have improved compatibility
with cells and tissues and enabled new approaches to biological modulation.
In particular, free-standing and remotely activated bioelectrical
devices demonstrate potential for precise biophysical investigation
and efficient clinical therapies. Interacting with single cells or
organelles requires devices of sufficiently small size for high resolution
probing. Nanoscale semiconductors, given their diverse functionalities,
are promising device platforms for subcellular modulation. Tissue-level
modulation requires additional consideration regarding the device’s
mechanical compliance for either conformal contact with the tissue
surface or seamless three-dimensional (3D) biointegration. Flexible
or even open-framework designs are essential in such methods. For
chronic organ integration, the highest level of biocompatibility is
required for both the materials and device configurations. Additionally,
a scalable and high-throughput design is necessary to simultaneously
interact with many individual cells in the organ. The physical, chemical,
and mechanical stabilities of devices for organ implantation may be
improved by ensuring matching of mechanical behavior at biointerfaces,
including passivation or resistance designs to mitigate physiological
impacts, or incorporating self-healing or adaptative properties.
Recent research demonstrates principles of nanostructured material
designs that can be used to improve biointerfaces. Nanoenabled extracellular
interfaces were frequently used for either electrical or remote optical
modulation of cells and tissues. In particular, methods are now available
for designing and screening nanostructured silicon, especially chemical
vapor deposition (CVD)-derived nanowires and two-dimensional (2D)
nanostructured membranes, for biological modulation in vitro and in
vivo. For intra- and intercellular biological modulation, semiconductor/cell
composites have been created through the internalization of nanowires,
and such cellular composites can even integrate with living tissues.
This approach was demonstrated for both neuronal and cardiac modulation.
At a different front, laser-derived nanocrystalline semiconductors
showed electrochemical and photoelectrochemical activities, and they
were used to modulate cells and organs. Recently, self-assembly of
nanoscale building blocks enabled fabrication of efficient monolithic
carbon-based electrodes for in vitro stimulation of cardiomyocytes,
ex vivo stimulation of retinas and hearts, and in vivo stimulation
of sciatic nerves.
Future studies on nanoenabled bioelectrical
modulation should focus
on improving efficiency and stability of current and emerging technologies.
New materials and devices can access new ...