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Abstract Nanomaterial advancements have driven progress in central and peripheral nervous system applications such as tissue regeneration and brain–machine interfacing. Ideally, neural interfaces with native tissue shall seamlessly integrate, a process that is often mediated by the interfacial material properties. Surface topography and material chemistry are significant extracellular stimuli that can influence neural cell behavior to facilitate tissue integration and augment therapeutic outcomes. This review characterizes topographical modifications, including micropillars, microchannels, surface roughness, and porosity, implemented on regenerative scaffolding and brain–machine interfaces. Their impact on neural cell response is summarized through neurogenic outcome and mechanistic analysis. The effects of surface chemistry on neural cell signaling with common interfacing compounds like carbon‐based nanomaterials, conductive polymers, and biologically inspired matrices are also reviewed. Finally, the impact of these extracellular mediated neural cues on intracellular signaling cascades is discussed to provide perspective on the manipulation of neuron and neuroglia cell microenvironments to drive therapeutic outcomes.
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This content will become publicly available on January 10, 2026
Quantification of Nanomaterial Surfaces
ReviewQuantification of Nanomaterial SurfacesHarshit Kumar and Mingdi Yan *Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854, USA* Correspondence: Mingdi_Yan@uml.eduReceived: 24 February 2025; Revised: 3 March 2025; Accepted: 5 March 2025; Published: 10 March 2025Abstract: Quantification of nanomaterial surfaces is critical in the design of nanomaterials with predictable and tailored functions. Nanomaterials exhibit unique surface properties, such as high surface-to-volume ratios and tunable chemistry, which govern their stability, reactivity, and functions in a wide range of applications including catalysis, drug delivery, bioimaging, and environmental remediation. However, quantitative analysis of the nanomaterial surface is challenging due to the inherent heterogeneity, which affects the surface structure, ligand density and presentation. This mini review discusses several important aspects of surface quantification, including ligand structure, ligand density, functional groups, and surface reactions. Traditional analytical methods, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), and UV-vis spectroscopy, as well as emerging techniques that offer higher spatial resolution and sensitivity are discussed, and examples are given.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2305006
- PAR ID:
- 10613840
- Publisher / Repository:
- Scilight
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Materials and Interfaces
- ISSN:
- 2982-2394
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 66 to 83
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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