Biomimetic graphitic carbon nitride nanoparticles enable multiscale biomodulation

The hg-C3N4 NPs can be spontaneously internalized with excellent cytocompatibility. Using a focusing laser, the hg-C3N4 NPs enable intracellular optical stimulation with subcellular resolution, inducing calcium transient release in multiple cells and propagation in primary cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. At multicellular scale, optical pacing and synchronization of cardiomyocyte beating is readily achieved by LED.

Further, we demonstrate that hg-C3N4 NPs can be safely injected into mouse eyes, restoring light sensitivity in blind mice. Finally, application of hg-C3N4 NPs to porcine retinal tissue ex vivo confirmed their modulation capability to reactivate RGCs activity under LED photostimulation. Taken together, these nanostructured biomimetic photocatalytic NPs offer high resolution, leadless optical probing, non-invasive delivery and great biocompatibility, serving as a versatile tool for addressing a range of complex biomedical challenges through subcellular, intercellular and tissue-level photo-modulation across a broad spectrum of scales.