Photoelectrochemical TiO 2 ‐Au‐Nanowire‐Based Motor for Precise Modulation of Single‐Neuron Activities

• Published in: Advanced functional materials 2021-03, Vol.31 (10)
• Main Authors: Chen, Bin, Liu, Lu, Liu, Kun, Tong, Fei, Wang, Shuanghu, Fu, Dongmei, Gao, Junbin, Jiang, Jiamiao, Ou, Juanfeng, Ye, Yicheng, Wilson, Daniela A., Tu, Yingfeng, Peng, Fei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1616-301X; 1616-3028
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202008667

Micro/nanomotors are revolutionary miniaturized robotic systems capable of converting diverse energy sources, including light, ultrasound, and thermal heat, into mechanical motion. This fascinating research area is emerging and developing at a rapid pace, demonstrating potential in multiple fields. While their locomotion and momentum capabilities have been explored in medical treatments, including microsurgery and diagnosis, the aspect of converting their intrinsic energies into usable forms remains unexplored. Here, we proposed a novel motor based on composite TiO 2 ‐Au nanowires (NWs), powered by a local electric field generated from ultra‐low ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, to serve as an interactive bioelectric interface with a neural cell. Under a light field, the NW motor achieved highly controllable motion in biological environments and reached the targeted neuronal retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with notable precision. Next, the locally generated electric field was utilized as an electrical stimulus to activate the targeted cell through the calcium ion channel. This is the first study to report on the photoelectric conversion capabilities of a motor being used to provide propulsion force and interactive cues in a biosystem. This motor‐based strategy represents a new approach for the precise and non‐invasive delivery of bioelectrical signals and neuronal activity modulation.