Nanofilm can replace a damaged retina

Israeli scientists have developed a flexible film, which in the future can serve as the basis for creating a “prosthesis” of the retina and restore vision to people with damaged retinas or suffering from retinal degeneration, macular degeneration . The work of scientists published in the journal Nano Letters. The photosensitive film is created by a combination of semiconductor nanorods and carbon nanotubes. It does not require wires or a power source to function.

Special neurons are genetically sensitive to light. The new science of optogenetics is studying these neurons and their effects. The resulting film stimulates these neurons when light hits it. Scientists managed to achieve their stimulation in chicken embryos, which are at such a stage of development when they have not yet formed a retina. Most of the previous attempts to restore vision use devices made of metal and silicon that require external power sources, and the procedure for their implantation is very complicated.

Professor Yael Hanein, under the direction of which the research is being conducted, says: “Compared to other technologies, our material is more resilient, flexible and effective, and better stimulates neurons. We are still far from replacing a damaged retina. If we compare this material with silicon-based devices that need wires and a power source, this is a breakthrough in research in this direction. ”