Nanotechnology and Materials Engineering

Nanotechnology in Neuroscience and Neuroengineering

Neuroengineering focuses on the development of artificial devices and novel materials to be functionally and structurally interfaced with the central nervous system (CNS). Today, there is the expectation that materials science and nanotechnology will be able to address these challenges and lead to breakthroughs at the level of the interfaces between artificial transducers/actuators and living cells. Nanoparticles are able to penetrate the BBB of in vitro and in vivo models; and therefore can be used to develop diagnostic tools as well as nano-enabled delivery systems that can bypass the BBB in order to facilitate conventional and novel neurotherapeutic interventions such as drug therapy, gene therapy, and tissue regeneration.