Anannya Roy, Amity University Kolkata
A nanoparticle is a source of matter whose diameter lies in the range of 1 to 100 meters. They are interesting substances and are very useful in the field of biomaterial sciences. Graphene flakes are one of the most perfect nanoparticles, they are effective, reversible, and have non-harmful action, but a recent study shows the harmful effects these have on excitatory synapses.
Excitatory synapses are synapses in which an action potential in a presynaptic neuron increases the probability of an action potential occurring in a postsynaptic neuron. When nanoparticles act on synapses they can obstruct the growth of anxiety-related behaviors in vertebrates. The study was conducted by SISSA International School for advanced studies of Trieste, Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) of Barcelona, and National Graphene Institute of the University of Manchester, in the framework of the European Graphene Flagship project.
Graphene nanoparticles interrupt the buildup of a pathological process that leads to anxiety-related behavior. Laura Ballerini, the leader of the team who carried out this experiment in rats believed that the Graphene nanoflakes when delivered to neurons interfere with excitatory synapse by temporarily preventing the release of glutamate from pre-synaptic neurons. It was investigated whether such a reduction in synaptic activity was sufficient to modify behaviors that generally develop due to excitatory synapses.
The study that was conducted to test this hypothesis involved focusing on PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in both in vivo and in vitro methods.
In vivo- The defensive behavior of rats in the presence of a predator was analyzed, using a cat odour that would trigger an aversive memory in them. Exposure to the predator could modify neural connections; this phenomenon is called plasticity and is responsible for increasing synaptic activity in a specific area of the amygdala.
In vitro- In in vivo experiment, behavioral changes could be observed easily but the impact of graphene flakes on nanoparticles on the microscopic level could not be identified. Upon performing in vitro experiments the mechanism was understood. Amygdala is that region of the brain where stress response occurs and neuronal cultures from there were extracted and studied. It was concluded that the effects of nanoparticles were specific for excitatory synapses and short-term exposure to graphene prevented pathological plasticity of synapses.
These findings are extremely important because they shed light on their potential as nanotools could be used to transport drugs and for other applications in the field of medicine.
Also read:An E-textile that controls biological energy when worn
References: https://english.lokmat.com/technology/study-shows-influence-of-graphene-nanoparticles-on-neurons/
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