Andrews Russell J
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007 Dec;1122:185-96. doi: 10.1196/annals.1403.013.
Nanotechniques presented in this article's companion report are being multiplexed into nanodevices that promise to greatly advance our understanding and treatment of many nervous system disorders. Current neuromodulation techniques for deep brain stimulation have major drawbacks, such as large size (in comparison with ideal of small neuron group stimulation), lack of feedback monitoring of brain electrical activity, and high electrical current needs. Carbon nanotube nanoelectrode arrays address these drawbacks and offer the possibility of monitoring neurotransmitter levels at the synapse/neuronal level in real time. Such arrays can monitor and modulate electrochemical events occurring among neural networks, which should add greatly to our understanding of neuronal communication. A multiplex nanodevice for studying (and enhancing) axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury is also being developed. The nanotechniques described in the companion piece are combined in a micron-sized neural growth tube lined with nanodevices through which the regenerating axon extends--allowing continuous monitoring and modulation of the axon's electrochemical environment plus directional guidance with a biodegradable nanoscaffold. Multifunction nanodevices provide opportunities for neuronal (and subneuronal) monitoring and modulation that will enhance neuroprotection and neurorepair far beyond the micro- and macrolevel techniques used heretofore.
本文配套报告中介绍的纳米技术正被集成到纳米设备中，有望极大地推动我们对多种神经系统疾病的理解和治疗。当前用于深部脑刺激的神经调节技术存在重大缺陷，比如尺寸较大（与理想的小神经元群刺激相比）、缺乏对脑电活动的反馈监测以及需要高电流。碳纳米管纳米电极阵列解决了这些缺陷，并提供了在突触/神经元水平实时监测神经递质水平的可能性。这种阵列可以监测和调节神经网络中发生的电化学事件，这将极大地增进我们对神经元通信的理解。一种用于研究（并促进）脊髓损伤后轴突再生的多功能纳米设备也正在开发中。配套文章中描述的纳米技术被整合到一个微米级的神经生长管中，该神经生长管内衬纳米设备，再生轴突可从中穿过，从而能够持续监测和调节轴突的电化学环境，并通过可生物降解的纳米支架进行定向引导。多功能纳米设备为神经元（及亚神经元）的监测和调节提供了机会，将极大地增强神经保护和神经修复能力，远超迄今使用的微观和宏观层面技术。
