Neuroscience nanotechnology: progress, opportunities and challenges.
Nanotechnologies exploit materials and devices with a functional organization that has been engineered at the nanometre scale. The application of nanotechnology in cell biology and physiology enables targeted interactions at a fundamental molecular level. In neuroscience, this entails specific interactions with neurons and glial cells. Examples of current research include technologies that are designed to better interact with neural cells, advanced molecular imaging technologies, materials and hybrid molecules used in neural regeneration, neuroprotection, and targeted delivery of drugs and small molecules across the blood-brain barrier.
Silva
Gabriel A
GA
Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, UCSD Jacobs Retina Center 0946, 9415 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, California 92037-0946, USA. gsilva@ucsd.edu
D000818:Animals; D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009488:Neurosciences / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends