This development will surely restore vision for millions of blind people around the world. In order to make this possible University of Texas researchers have been able to achieve the first direct electrical link between nerve cells and photovoltaic nanoparticle films. This will ensure that unique properties of nanoparticles could be applied to varied light stimulated signaling devices which include the possibility of development of nanoparticle based artificial retina.
The researchers applied a process created by Professor Nicholas Kotov in which two types of ultra thin films are build - one created from mercury -tellurium nanoparticles and other from PDDA. After that ordinary clay was added along with a coating of amino acid and on top of that cultured neurons were placed.
The researchers further described the process:
When light shines on them, the mercury-tellurium nanoparticle film layers produce electrons, which then move up into the PDDA film layers and produce an upward-moving electrical current. As you build up the layers of this, you get better capabilities to absorb photons and generate voltage. When the current reaches the neuron membrane, it depolarizes the cell to the point where it fires, and you get a signal in the nerve.
The researchers stated that though this study had a bright future but creation of artificial retina was still far off.
Via nanowerk
