Stimulation of neural cells by lateral layer-by-layer films of single-walled currents in conductive carbon nanotubes

The first example of neural stimulation through a SWNT material assembled by layer-by-layer deposition is described (see figure). Excitation by lateral currents in the nanotube coating results in the opening of voltage -dependent Na' ion channels. The experimental observations indicate the possibility of engineering of implantable biomedical devices from SWNT/polymer multilayers to be used for neuron prosthesis, pain management, and muscle stimulation.