Single-layer graphene modulates neuronal communication and augments membrane ion currents

Abstract

The use of graphene-based materials to engineer sophisticated biosensing interfaces that can adapt to the central nervous system requires a detailed understanding of how such materials behave in a biological context. Graphene's peculiar properties can cause various cellular changes, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that single-layer graphene increases neuronal firing by altering membrane-associated functions in cultured cells. Graphene tunes the distribution of extracellular ions at the interface with neurons, a key regulator of neuronal excitability. The resulting biophysical changes in the membrane include stronger potassium ion currents, with a shift in the fraction of neuronal firing phenotypes from adapting to tonically firing. By using experimental and theoretical approaches, we hypothesize that the graphene-ion interactions that are maximized when single-layer graphene is deposited on electrically insulating substrates are crucial to these effects.

Degradation of Single‐Layer and Few‐Layer Graphene by Neutrophil Myeloperoxidase

“…[9] Recent results also proved that graphene can be exploited in neural interfaces and flexible devices. [10,11] However,inthe applications as implantable devices or the use as drug delivery system via systemic administration, testing biodegradability or biopersistance of graphene should be interrogated. Along this line,biodegradation of graphene with oxidative enzymes secreted by cells like neutrophils is very relevant, since this type of cells is the first immune barrier intervening in the case of inflammation.…”

Single-cell and neuronal network alterations in an in vitro model of Fragile X syndrome

“…6H), and not vice versa. This might be the result of the cumulative inactivation of sodium currents (Fleidervish et al 1996) whose persisting effect decreased excitability and it is not removed by strong hyperpolarizing potassium currents (Pampaloni et al 2018) in KO compared to WT. Alternatively, the significantly lower slope of the APs frequency versus current intensity curves reported here at DIV28 (Fig.…”

“…Mathematical model. We employed a minimal mathematical model of a neuronal network (Wilson and Cowan 1972;Amit and Tsodyks 1991;Dayan and Abbott 2001;Pampaloni et al 2018) to describe the mean firing rates ν E (t) and ν I (t) of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, reciprocally and recurrently connected. Following previous work La Camera et al 2008;Gambazzi et al 2010;Gigante et al 2015), we associated with each neuronal subpopulation a characteristic time scale ).…”

Bioelectronics and Interfaces Using Monolayer Graphene

“…Graphene has provided notable progress in the field of neuroscience such as by enabling the possibility to modulate neuronal excitability owing to the high conductivity, elasticity and transparency, and lower toxicity for neuroinflammation, which are important factors for achieving direct connection between neural tissue and external environment. The remarkable properties of graphene have enabled its use in drug delivery platforms in neuroregenerative medicine, e. g. for the treatment of neural disorders such as Parkinson disease .…”