Scientists have recently demonstrated that a special nanomaterial called Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C₃N₄) can stimulate brain cells without the need for electrodes, lasers, or magnetic devices. This breakthrough is considered a major achievement in the fields of neuroscience and nanotechnology.This pioneering research published in the peer-reviewed journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. The findings, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, show that graphitic carbon nitride promotes neuron growth, maturation, and communication by harnessing the brain’s own electrical activity.

Key Findings

¨     The findings offer a promising non-invasive alternative for treating brain disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, which are on the rise globally with ageing populations.

¨     The material boosted dopamine production in lab-grown brain-like cells and reduced toxic proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease in animal models.

¨     Graphitic carbon nitride can naturally “talk” to neurons.

¨     When placed near nerve cells, it generates minute electric fields in response to the brain’s voltage signals.

¨     These fields open calcium channels on neurons, stimulating growth and strengthening connections between cells, without the need for any external device.

Potential Applications

¨     Neurological Therapy: This could be used to restore lost functions in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

¨     Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs): It offers a safer, minimally invasive pathway for developing next-generation BCIs.

¨     Drug-Free Stimulation: It reduces reliance on pharmaceuticals for certain brain-related conditions.

Advantages Over Conventional Methods

¨     Non-invasive: It eliminates surgical risks associated with deep brain stimulation.

¨     Cost-effective: It is potentially cheaper than electrode- or magnet-based devices.

¨     Scalable: It can be adapted for large-scale clinical use in future.

Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C₃N₄)

¨     Identification: It is identified by scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

¨     Structure: A stacked two-dimensional material with tris-triazine-based patterns, containing carbon and nitrogen atoms.

¨     Electronic Properties: Electron-rich, with nitrogen atoms contributing to the valance band and carbon/nitrogen atoms contributing to the conduction band, allowing for visible light absorption.

¨     Stability: High physical, chemical, and thermal stability, along with high abrasion resistance and hardness.