Applications of carbon nanotubes in neurobiology.
BACKGROUND
Carbon nanotubes are one of the most promising materials for the electronics, computer and aerospace industries. There are numerous properties of carbon nanotubes that make them attractive for applications in neurobiology: small size, flexibility, strength, inertness, electrical conductivity and ease of modification with biological compounds.


OBJECTIVE
Here, we discuss the current applications of carbon nanotubes in neuroscience.


RESULTS
Carbon nanotubes and their derivatives can be used as substrates/scaffolds for neural cell growth. The chemical properties of carbon nanotubes can be systematically varied by attaching different functional groups; manipulation of the charge carried by functionalized carbon nanotubes can be used to control the outgrowth and branching pattern of neuronal processes. The ease with which carbon nanotubes can be patterned makes them attractive for studying the organization of neural networks and the electrical conductivity of nanotubes can provide a mechanism to monitor or stimulate neurons through the substrate itself. However, it is important to recognize that carbon nanotubes themselves can affect neuronal function, most likely by interaction with ion channels.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of carbon nanotubes in neurobiology is a promising application that has the potential to develop new methods and techniques to advance the study of neuroscience.
Malarkey
Erik B
EB
Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Centers for Glial-Neuronal Interactions and Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
Parpura
Vladimir
V
D000818:Animals; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009446:Neurobiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*
D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon