(January 30, 2016) Researchers
have shown that graphene can be used to make electrodes that can be implanted
in the brain, which could potentially be used to restore sensory functions for
amputee or paralysed patients, or for individuals with motor disorders such as
Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated how it is
possible to interface graphene – a two-dimensional form of carbon – with
neurons, or nerve cells, while maintaining the integrity of these vital cells.
The work may be used to build graphene-based electrodes that can safely be
implanted in the brain, offering promise for the restoration of sensory
functions for amputee or paralysed patients, or for individuals with motor
disorders such as epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease.
The research, published in the journal ACS Nano, was an
interdisciplinary collaboration coordinated by the University of Trieste in
Italy and the Cambridge Graphene Centre.
Previously, other groups had shown that it is possible to
use treated graphene to interact with neurons. However the signal to noise
ratio from this interface was very low. By developing methods of working with
untreated graphene, the researchers retained the material’s electrical
conductivity, making it a significantly bet