石墨烯介导——光刺激新技术能加速大脑类器官成熟

Core Insights - The University of California, San Diego's Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine has developed a new technology called graphene-mediated optical stimulation (GraMOS) that accelerates the development and maturation of brain organoids [1][2] - GraMOS is a safe, non-genetic, biocompatible, and non-destructive technique that can effectively regulate neural activity within days to weeks, providing new perspectives on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's [1][2] Group 1 - GraMOS utilizes the unique optoelectronic properties of graphene to convert light signals into gentle electrical stimulation, promoting connections and information exchange between neurons [2] - Regular application of GraMOS leads to stronger neural connections, more organized neural networks, and improved communication capabilities in brain organoid models derived from Alzheimer's patients [2] - The technology has the potential to shorten drug screening and testing timelines while being crucial for uncovering the mysteries of neurodegenerative diseases [2] Group 2 - In a proof-of-concept experiment, brain organoids connected to graphene were integrated into a robotic system equipped with environmental sensors, demonstrating real-time interaction [2] - The robotic system can send light signals to stimulate the organoids, which then generate specific neural activity patterns to alter the robot's path, completing the perception-response cycle in just 50 milliseconds [2] - This research signifies a major breakthrough in the application of graphene in neuroscience, nanotechnology, and neuroengineering, with potential expansions into tissue engineering [2]