Since the first controlled isolation of graphene in 2004, a large number of potential applications of this material have been identified, owing to a unique combination of material properties such as excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, thinness, mechanical strength and flexibility, as well as ...
Since the first controlled isolation of graphene in 2004, a large number of potential applications of this material have been identified, owing to a unique combination of material properties such as excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, thinness, mechanical strength and flexibility, as well as transparency and broad optical responsiveness. A new and promising field of applications of graphene that exploits several of these properties is neuroscience, neurology and, in particular, neural interfaces. Due to its high biocompatibility, its flexibility to adapt well to the brain surface, its dual electrical functionality both for recording and stimulating the brain while being transparent and thus compatible with other optical or imaging systems, graphene and graphene-based materials offer a very attractive material platform for electrically functional neural interfaces. In addition, there are other applications of graphene that are being currently explored to modulate brain function, such as drug delivery, gene therapy, focal elimination of cells and others. All these new technology tools enabled by graphene and graphene-based materials are being applied to investigate, interact with and modulate both local neural circuits and extended networks, and are expected to generate new insights into the functioning mechanisms of these neural systems. Further, the potential for restoring activity in diseased circuits by means of electrical or chemical interactions or for inducing plasticity for autogenous repair will facilitate progress both in basic neuroscience and in bioelectronic medicine and therapy.
In this Research Topic, we aim to bring together different aspects of the research that explores the interactions between graphene and the brain, including:
- Cortical and intracortical neural interfaces for brain recordings
- Superficial and deep brain stimulation
- Retinal implants
- Prosthetics for brain and peripheral nervous system
- Interfacing with neurons in vitro
- Studies of biocompatibility and toxicity
- Drug delivery, gene delivery, chemical focal control of brain activity
- Applications of graphene technologies in the treatment of neurological diseases
etc.
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Keywords:
Graphene, 2D materials, neural interfaces, neural prostheses, neuroprosthetics, brain implants, biomedicine, drug delivery, bioelectronic medicine & therapy, microtechnology, nanotechnology, nanoelectronics, bioelectronics, microelectrode arrays, transistor arrays, flexible electronics, in vivo stimulation, in vivo recording
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
