Device fabrication and operation. Credit: Science Advances (2026). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aea7001
An international research team led
by Prof. Dr. Sedat Nizamoğlu from the Department of Electrical and Electronics
Engineering at Koç University has developed a next-generation, safe, and
wireless stimulation technology for retinal degenerative diseases that cause
vision loss.
The study is published in Science Advances.
Challenges with current retinal implants
Retinal degenerative disorders
affect millions of people worldwide and currently have no curative treatment.
Existing retinal implants, however, face significant clinical limitations due
to their bulky structures, complex electronic components, or the need for
high-intensity visible light.
To overcome these challenges,
researchers at Koç University set out to develop an ultra-thin, biocompatible
system capable of directly converting light into biological electrical signals.
Innovative nano-assembly and its advantages
To achieve this, the team designed
a photovoltaic nano-assembly combining zinc oxide nanowire arrays with
silver–bismuth–sulfide nanocrystals. This structure enables the conversion of
near-infrared light, which penetrates tissue more deeply and safely than
visible light, into precisely controlled electrical stimulation without causing
damage to ocular tissue.
Importantly, this process operates
at low light intensities that remain well below established ocular safety
limits and does so using a fully wireless, ultra-thin architecture.
Testing, safety, and broader applications
The performance of the system was
evaluated using retinal models from rats with vision loss. Experiments
demonstrated strong, repeatable, and temporally precise responses in retinal
neurons.
In addition, comprehensive analyses
of cell viability, biocompatibility, and long-term stability showed
that the structure did not induce cellular stress or toxicity and is suitable
for prolonged use. The negligible temperature increase observed during
operation further highlights the safety advantages of the approach.
What distinguishes this technology
from existing retinal implants is its ultra-thin active layer, its use of safer
near-infrared light instead of visible light, and its completely wireless
design that eliminates the need for external cables or electronic components.
These features make the platform a
strong candidate not only for visual prostheses but also for broader neuromodulation applications targeting electrically excitable tissues such as
the brain, heart, and muscles.
Expert commentary and future outlook
Commenting on the study, Prof. Dr.
Sedat Nizamoğlu said, "This study demonstrates that a nanotechnological
retinal implant approach could potentially restore vision in the future for
individuals who have lost visual function due to macular degeneration and
retinitis pigmentosa. Inorganic nanocrystals, which received the 2023 Nobel
Prize in Chemistry, are highly promising for retinal prosthesis technology when
implemented using functionally optimized nanoarchitectures.
"Operating with near-infrared
light, this nanoscale system offers a significant alternative to existing
approaches in terms of performance. Our findings open new avenues not only for
visual prosthetics but also for a wide range of biomedical applications that
interact with the nervous system."
This work, carried out at Koç University, once again underscores the university's interdisciplinary research environment and its commitment to high-impact scientific innovation, while paving the way for the development of safer and more effective future treatments for individuals living with vision loss.
Provided by Koc University
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