Nanomaterial‐Mediated Near‐Infrared Photothermal Neuromodulation for Neurologic Disorders

Neurologic disorders place a significant burden on both patients and society due to their high disability rate and difficulty in curing, yet traditional treatments have limitations in efficacy and obvious side effects. Neuromodulation techniques have been used in clinical practice, but the lack of precision limits their dissemination. The precise treatment of neurological disorders has made use of near‐infrared (NIR)‐mediated photothermal regulation in recent years, which has shown many benefits. Unlike traditional neuromodulation techniques, photothermal nanomaterial‐mediated neuromodulation under NIR light offers a noninvasive alternative with exceptional spatiotemporal precision and selectivity. In this review, we will introduce various photothermal nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, graphene‐based materials, and carbon nanotubes. And their mechanisms of photothermal conversion, including light absorption, thermal conversion, and interaction with neural tissues, play a significant role in modulating neuronal activity, promoting neuroprotection, and facilitating nerve regeneration. By leveraging the unique properties of photothermal nanomaterials, researchers have developed advanced strategies for treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and stroke. The integration of photothermal nanomaterials with other technologies, including optogenetics and biosensors, further enhances their therapeutic efficacy and diagnostic capabilities. Despite the encouraging developments, issues related to biocompatibility, toxicity, and targeted distribution have to be addressed. With the development of combination therapies, multifunctional nanomaterials, and personalized medicine, photothermal techniques hold potential for enhancing neuroscience research and improving therapeutic results in neurological disorders.