Membrane‐Targeted Nanoparticles for Neuronal Photomodulation
Selective targeting of nanoparticles to the neuronal interface is central for the tailored development of precision neurotechnologies. Here, we report the targeting of gold bipyramids, as a model nanomaterial, on the membrane of primary neurons using a bioorthogonal approach. In a two-step process, linker molecules anchor to receptors that expose trans-cyclooctene, which forms a covalent bond with the tetrazine functional group on nanoparticles, leading to the retention of hundreds of nanoparticles per cell. Selective labeling of neuronal membranes with plasmonic nanoparticles via a bioorthogonal strategy enabled inhibition of neuronal activity through photothermal effects under NIR laser irradiation in synchronized cell cultures. The linker and/or nanoparticles alone have a negligible effect on neuromodulation. Nanoparticle retention at the membrane is rapid, requiring only one hour of total incubation, with no cytotoxic effect. These results expand the repertoire of light-activated nanomaterials for non-invasive neuromodulation.
Authors
- Marek Grzelczak (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3458-8450)
- Ane Escobar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9765-9404)
- Francisco Javier Gil-Bea (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2002-5531)
- Mónica Carril (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1232-8658)
- Alex M. Ascensión (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0013-3052)
- Davide Bello (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9780-263X)
- Ana Sánchez‐Iglesias (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1871-8742)
- Laura Rodríguez-Gómez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3789-3370)
- David Otaegui‐Bichot
- Miriam Feijoo Barriga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7201-1298)
Institutions
- Ikerbasque (ES)
- University of the Basque Country (ES)
- Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA) (ES)
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (ES)
- Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute (ES)
- Instituto Biofisika (ES)
- Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia (ES)
- Material Physics Center (ES)
- Donostia International Physics Center (ES)
- Universidad de Navarra (ES)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Advanced Science
- Published
- 2026-11-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.78575
- Primary Topic
- Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades
- Eusko Jaurlaritza
- Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III
- Agencia Estatal de Investigación