Light-Triggered Scaffold for Nerve Regeneration

Scientists have built a smart scaffold that helps in repairing damaged nerves using light. The scaffold is made with nanoparticles that release a gas called nitric oxide (NO) when hit by a special light called near-infrared light. This gas helps nerve cells grow and heal. The special thing about this scaffold is that it releases the gas slowly and steadily, not all at once. This is because the nanoparticles are locked in a special cage-like structure that only lets the gas out when the light shines on it. Tests show that the gas stays in the scaffold for a long time and can be controlled well. When the gas is released, it makes certain nerve cells change into neurons, which are the cells that send signals in the nerve. This might be because the gas makes calcium go into these cells. This new way of healing nerves could open up new ways to fix nerve damage.