Nanometric agents in the service of neuroscience: Manipulation of neuronal growth and activity using nanoparticles

In recent years, along with the progress in nanotechnology, the use of nanoparticles for biomedical applications is rapidly increasing. Nanoparticles can be functionalized in a highly flexible manner and have a physiologically-compatible size range, making them ideal tools for therapeutics. Special challenges are presented for researchers by the nervous system. Neurons are difficult to regenerate and drug delivery in-vivo is hindered by the blood brain barrier. Nanoparticles have been found effective in crossing the blood brain barrier as drug carriers and imaging agents, and can affect neuronal growth and activity. This review presents the recent advances in neuronal targeting and manipulation using inorganic nanoparticles.118