Plasmonics for neuroengineering

The evolving field of plasmonics has enabled the rise of engineered plasmonic nanomaterials to improve neural interface performance. Plasmonic nanostructures such as nanoparticles, if appropriately designed, can act as mediators to efficiently deliver light to target cells for less-invasive modulation with high spatial resolution than common electrical methods. Also, originating from either excitation of surface plasmons alone or in combination with thermoplasmonic effects, they can improve the performances of nanotools in neuroengineering. Here, we review plasmonic-based modalities and explore recent developments, advantages and limitations for minimally invasive neuromodulation, central nervous system disease diagnosis and therapy, and smart carrier-drug delivery toward the brain. The subject of the study stands at the interface of neuroscience and engineering. Thus, within the scope of this study, we provide background information about the nervous system and its underlying basic biology, types of neural interfaces, as well as the physics of surface plasmons and thermoplasmonic phenomena. Plasmonic nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, efficiently deliver light to target cells for neuromodulation that is less invasive and has higher spatial resolution than common electrical methods. This review covers recent developments in the use of plasmonics for neuroengineering.