What Are the Key Applications of Nanotechnology in the HBP?
Several key applications of nanotechnology in the HBP are revolutionizing brain research and treatment:
- Brain Mapping: Nanotechnology enables the development of high-resolution imaging techniques that provide detailed maps of the brain's structure and function. Nanoprobes and quantum dots are examples of tools used for this purpose. - Drug Delivery: Nanoscale drug delivery systems can cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively, allowing for targeted treatment of brain tumors, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological conditions. - Neural Interfaces: Nanotechnology facilitates the creation of advanced neural interfaces, such as nanoelectrodes, which can be used in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to restore lost sensory or motor functions. - Diagnostics: Nanosensors and nanodevices can be employed for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases by detecting biomarkers at very low concentrations.