• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Seeking a Revolution in Clinical Care Through AI

    Diversifying Supply Chains: New Opportunities Post Pandemic and After Brexit

    Addition by Subtraction: The Latest of Machining for Medtech

    Innovation Incubators: An R&D Roundtable

    Virtual Allies: Electronics Manufacturing Services Providers Offer Real Solutions
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    January AI Raises $8.8 Million in New Funding

    FDA Clears Ava Fertility Tracking Wearable Device

    First Patient in Europe Treated With Diamondback 360 Coronary Orbital Atherectomy System

    Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning Adoption in Healthcare to Grow Considerably

    Japan to Lead APAC Assisted Reproductive Technology Devices Market
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Seeking a Revolution in Clinical Care Through AI

    Diversifying Supply Chains: New Opportunities Post Pandemic and After Brexit

    Addition by Subtraction: The Latest of Machining for Medtech

    Innovation Incubators: An R&D Roundtable

    Virtual Allies: Electronics Manufacturing Services Providers Offer Real Solutions
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Rethink Your Medtech ASC Strategy, Part 1

    Pandemic-Level Playing Field: How COVID-19 Made Space for Progress

    Tips for Reigniting Your MDR/IVDR Preparation

    Three Major Innovation Opportunities for Biomedical Textiles

    Use Vertical Integration to Increase Productivity, Drive Innovation
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    Concise Engineering

    MW Life Sciences

    Qosina Corp.

    Medicoil

    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Refurbished Medical Equipment Testing and Certification Under the NEC

    Taking the First Step with Metal Components

    4 Trends Driving Medical Manufacturing in 2021

    Pioneering AI Solutions to Reinforce Healthcare Services

    The 8 Major Types of PPE Supply Chain Fraud
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    Creganna Medical, part of TE Connectivity

    MW Life Sciences

    K-Tube Technologies

    Concise Engineering
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Resources
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Breaking News

    Submicroscopic Spacecrafts: Graphene Flakes to Control Neuron Activity

    A new study which has shed light on the graphene flakes' ability to reach specific sites and affect the action of brain cells.

    Submicroscopic Spacecrafts: Graphene Flakes to Control Neuron Activity
    Selective, safe, and with a reversible effect: they are the nanomaterials, protagonists of a new study by SISSA which has shed light on their ability to reach specific sites and affect the action of specific brain cells. This opens up remarkable future scenarios in research and for developing possible therapies for neurological diseases. Image courtesy of Denis Scaini.
    Related CONTENT
    • Gentle Probes Could Enable Massive Brain Data Collection
    • Hong Kong Team Develops Antibacterial Graphene Face Masks
    • Synchron’s Stentrode Brain-Computer Interface Earns Breakthrough Status
    • Stryker Launches Surpass Evolve Flow Diverter for Brain Aneurysms
    • Stryker's Neuroform Atlas Stent Approved for Back of the Brain Aneurysms
    Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA)05.10.19
    Like in a science fiction novel, miniscule spacecrafts able to reach a specific site of the brain and influence the operation of specific types of neurons or drug delivery: graphene flakes, the subject matter of the new study of the group of SISSA professor Laura Ballerini, open up truly futuristic horizons. With the researcher, Rossana Rauti, Ballerini is responsible for the study recently published in the journal Nano Letters. Measuring just one millionth of a meter, these particles have proven able to interfere with the transmission of the signal at excitatory neuronal synaptic junctions. Furthermore, the study has shown that they do so in a reversible manner, because they disappear without leaving a trace few days after they have been administered. Basic research, which, thanks to this positive evidence, could initiate further studies, geared to investigating the possible therapeutic effects for the treatment of problems, such as epilepsy, in which an excess of the activity of the excitatory neurons is recorded or to study innovative ways to transport therapeutic substances in situ. The research, carried out in association with the universities of Trieste, Manchester and Strasbourg, is conducted within the Graphene Flagship, the substantial funding project of the European Union, which aims to investigate the potential of graphene in the most diverse areas of application, from the biomedical to the industrial ones.
     
    A Selective and Reversible Effect
    “We reported in in vitro models that these small flakes interfered with the transmission of the signals from one neuron to another acting at specific zones called synapses which are crucial to the operation of our nervous system,” explained Ballerini and Rauti. “The interesting thing is that their action is selective on specific synapses, namely those formed by neurons that in our brain have the role to excite (activate) their target neurons. We wanted to understand if this holds true not only in in vitro experiments but also inside an organism, with all the variable potential and complexity which derives from it.”
     
    The result was more than positive.
     
    “In our models, we analyzed the activity of the hippocampus, a specific area of the brain, injecting the flakes into that site,” they continued. “What we saw, thanks to fluorescent tracers, is that the particles effectively insinuate themselves only inside the synapses of excitatory neurons. In this way, they interfere with the activity of these cells. In addition, they do so with a reversible effect: after 72 hours, the physiological mechanisms of clearance of the brain completely removed all the flakes.”
     
    Neither Big nor Small: How the Flakes Work
    The interest in the procedure, explain the researchers, also lies in the fact that the flakes are apparently well tolerated once injected into the organism: “The inflammatory response and the immune reaction has proved lower than that recorded when administering simple saline solution. This is very important for possible therapeutic purposes.”
     
    The specificity of the action of the flakes, explained the researchers, would reside in the size of the particles used. They cannot be bigger or smaller than those adopted for this study (which measured approx. 100-200 nanometers of diameter): “Size is probably at the root of selectivity: if the flakes are too big they are unable to penetrate the synapse, which are very narrow areas between one neuron and the other. If they are too small, they are presumably simply wiped out ultimately in both cases no effects on synapses were observed.” The research will now explore the potential developments of this discovery, with a possible therapeutic horizon of definite interest for different pathologies.
    Related Searches
    • system
    • meter
    • fluorescent
    • physiological
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Materials
    • Neurological
    Suggested For You
    Gentle Probes Could Enable Massive Brain Data Collection Gentle Probes Could Enable Massive Brain Data Collection
    Hong Kong Team Develops Antibacterial Graphene Face Masks Hong Kong Team Develops Antibacterial Graphene Face Masks
    Synchron’s Stentrode Brain-Computer Interface Earns Breakthrough Status Synchron’s Stentrode Brain-Computer Interface Earns Breakthrough Status
    Stryker Launches Surpass Evolve Flow Diverter for Brain Aneurysms Stryker Launches Surpass Evolve Flow Diverter for Brain Aneurysms
    Stryker Stryker's Neuroform Atlas Stent Approved for Back of the Brain Aneurysms
    New Design Principle Could Prevent Brain Shunt Catheter Failure New Design Principle Could Prevent Brain Shunt Catheter Failure
    Brain Scientific Introduces Enhanced NeuroCap Disposable EEG Headset Brain Scientific Introduces Enhanced NeuroCap Disposable EEG Headset
    Thin-Film Electrodes for Brain Surgery Reach the Market Thin-Film Electrodes for Brain Surgery Reach the Market
    Medtronic Sees Revenue Losses Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Medtronic Sees Revenue Losses Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
    Medtronic Recalls Brain Aneurysm Stents Medtronic Recalls Brain Aneurysm Stents
    Study: Reusable Bronchoscopes Cost More Than Sterile Single-use Bronchoscopes Study: Reusable Bronchoscopes Cost More Than Sterile Single-use Bronchoscopes
    Developing Market Access Strategies Developing Market Access Strategies
    Imaging System Helps Surgeons Remove Tiny Ovarian Tumors Imaging System Helps Surgeons Remove Tiny Ovarian Tumors
    Diagnosing the Cancer in Medical Imagery Security Diagnosing the Cancer in Medical Imagery Security
    LINX Shown to Lower Medical Costs More Than Traditional Anti-Reflux Surgery LINX Shown to Lower Medical Costs More Than Traditional Anti-Reflux Surgery

    Related Breaking News

    • Neurological
      Medtronic Receives FDA Approval for Expanded MRI Labeling

      Medtronic Receives FDA Approval for Expanded MRI Labeling

      Updated MRI Guidelines allow for a wider range of MRI scan parameters and shorter wait time between MRI scans.
      Charles Sternberg, Assistant Editor 02.18.21

    • Neurological
      FDA OKs electroCore

      FDA OKs electroCore's gammaCore nVNS for Adolescent Migraine

      It’s now cleared for most forms of primary headache.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 02.16.21

    • Neurological
      FDA Approves Axonics

      FDA Approves Axonics' 3rd-Gen Implantable Neurostimulator

      Upgrades its embedded software and the patient remote control’s functionality.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 02.16.21


    • Cardiovascular | Neurological
      Cerus Endovascular

      Cerus Endovascular's Contour Neurovascular System Gains Breakthrough Status

      Indicated for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 02.12.21

    • Neurological
      Nēsos Earbud Receives Validation for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

      Nēsos Earbud Receives Validation for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

      New study shows promising efficacy and safety profile for novel ‘e-mmunotherapy’ approach to disease treatment.
      Charles Sternberg, Assistant Editor 02.02.21

    • Neurological
      Boston Scientific

      Boston Scientific's Vercise Genus DBS Earns FDA Approval

      Fourth-generation DBS portfolio features full-body MR conditional devices.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 01.22.21


    • Materials
      Researchers Successfully ‘Fine Tune’ New Thermoplastic Biomaterial

      Researchers Successfully ‘Fine Tune’ New Thermoplastic Biomaterial

      Enables both the rate at which it degrades in the body and its mechanical properties to be controlled independently.
      University of Birmingham 01.20.21

    • Neurological
      Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation

      Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation

      Next-generation digital therapeutic is designed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
      Business Wire 01.14.21

    • Neurological
      Medtronic Begins Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation Trial for Parkinson

      Medtronic Begins Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation Trial for Parkinson's

      First-of-its-kind study tests automated therapy that responds to brain signals in Parkinson's patients.
      PR Newswire 01.14.21


    • Neurological | Surgical
      FDA OKs ClearMind Biomedical

      FDA OKs ClearMind Biomedical's Axonpen Neuroendoscope

      Requires only a narrow channel of 6.5mm through the skull for insertion into the brain.
      PR Newswire 01.12.21

    • Materials
      Momentive Performance Materials Acquires KCC Corp.’s Silicones Business

      Momentive Performance Materials Acquires KCC Corp.’s Silicones Business

      Further strengthens its global capabilities in advanced silicones.
      PRNewswire 01.11.21

    • Diagnostics | Neurological
      FDA OKs Abbott

      FDA OKs Abbott's First-of-Its-Kind Rapid, Handheld TBI Test

      Produces a result within 15 minutes after a plasma sample is inserted.
      Abbott Laboratories 01.11.21


    • Neurological
      BioSerenity Achieves FDA Clearance for Wearable Device System

      BioSerenity Achieves FDA Clearance for Wearable Device System

      Neuronaute EEG System and IceCap bring comprehensive remote electroencephalography monitoring services to people living with neurological disorders.
      PRNewswire 01.07.21

    • Cardiovascular | Neurological | Surgical
      FDA OKs Rapid Medical

      FDA OKs Rapid Medical's Steerable Neurovascular Guidewire

      Provides efficient access in difficult neuro and peripheral vascular procedures.
      Business Wire 01.04.21

    • Materials
      DURECT to Sell LACTEL Absorbable Polymer to Evonik for $15M

      DURECT to Sell LACTEL Absorbable Polymer to Evonik for $15M

      Expands Evonik's position as a global CDMO for drug delivery solutions.
      PR Newswire 12.08.20


    Trending
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • 5 Ways Plastics Revolutionized The Healthcare Industry
    • Hardy Diagnostics Releases Rapid Test For COVID-19
    • TransEnterix Changes Name To Asensus Surgical
    • An Analysis Of The Smart Inhalers Market
    Breaking News
    • January AI Raises $8.8 Million in New Funding
    • FDA Clears Ava Fertility Tracking Wearable Device
    • First Patient in Europe Treated With Diamondback 360 Coronary Orbital Atherectomy System
    • Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning Adoption in Healthcare to Grow Considerably
    • Japan to Lead APAC Assisted Reproductive Technology Devices Market
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    January/February 2021

    • Seeking a Revolution in Clinical Care Through AI
    • Diversifying Supply Chains: New Opportunities Post Pandemic and After Brexit
    • Addition by Subtraction: The Latest of Machining for Medtech
    • Innovation Incubators: An R&D Roundtable
    • Virtual Allies: Electronics Manufacturing Services Providers Offer Real Solutions
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Preliminary Study Links Markers of Impaired Bone Health to Vegan Diet
    Refined Grains Linked to Heart Attack Risk, Early Death
    Kappa Bioscience Extends Research Partnership For COVID-19 Research
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Nippon Paint Marine Wins Korea Export Award
    Universal Display Corporation, PPG Expand Global Production of UniversalPHOLED Materials
    PPG Introduces Premium Iso-free Primer Surfacer, Catalyst
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    January AI Raises $8.8 Million in New Funding
    FDA Clears Ava Fertility Tracking Wearable Device
    First Patient in Europe Treated With Diamondback 360 Coronary Orbital Atherectomy System
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Spark Therapeutics Appoints CTO
    Cryoport Launches ESG Program
    U.S. Govt. Purchases 100k Doses of Lilly's COVID-19 Antibody Cocktail
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    The Top Beauty Products of 2021, According to HelloGiggles
    Estée Lauder Taps Ana de Armas as Global Brand Ambassador
    Sephora Announces Significant Expansion
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    ACI Urges Senate to Approve Regan as EPA Administrator
    Estée Lauder Signs Actress Ana de Armas
    GUM Recalls Oral Spray
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Etiflex Enters New Markets with Nilpeter FA-22 Installation
    Hydrocarbon Solvents Market to Surpass $8.1 Billion by 2030
    Marshall & Bruce Adds Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 41-Inch Seven-Color Press
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    FTA converts Forum & INFOFLEX to virtual events
    Xeikon launches two new digital label printing presses
    UFlex adds capacity in packaging films
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Texas Medical Technology Partners with My Protect Kit
    Mexico City Single-Use Plastics Ban Leads to Tampon Shortage
    Believe Diapers Launch in U.S.
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Fusion Robotics Receives FDA Clearance for Spinal Navigation and Robotics System
    Kaia Health Unveils Next-Gen Complete MSK Care Solutions
    First Implantation of CTL Amedica's Minimally Invasive Flex Tower
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Comercial Kywi Improves Customer Service, Front-Store Operations with Zebra Mobile Solution
    Global Printed Circuit Board Market Projected to Reach $69.32 Billion by 2027
    Global Smart Glass Market to Register 6.8% CAGR Between 2021-28: Grand View Research

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login