Nanotechnology‐Fortified Manipulation of Cell Ca2+ Signaling

Abstract

The manipulation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) plays a crucial role in the study of Ca2+ signaling and the therapy of its affected diseases. Nanotechnology enables the development of nanotransducers for targeted, non‐invasive, highly spatiotemporal, and on‐demand [Ca2+]i regulation by responding to external energy fields to activate Ca2+ channels, in situ deliver Ca2+, or release the payload of chemical modulators. As considerable strides have been made in Ca2+ signaling‐related fundamental research and applications in recent years, in this article, it is tried to present a thorough review of nanotransducer‐based [Ca2+]i manipulation, from the working principle to specific applications. Focusing on the design rationale and constructions of nanotransducers, the interactions between nanotransducers and Ca2+ channels are highlighted, as well as the downstream effectors of Ca2+ signaling pathways, followed by their representative biomedical applications in disease treatment and neuromodulation. Moreover, despite the enormous progress made to date, nanotransducer‐regulated Ca2+ signaling still confronts obstacles, and several scientific issues urgently need to be resolved. Thus, to provide brief and valid instructions for the development of nanotransducers for the regulation of Ca2+ signaling, proposals on how to improve the nanotransducer‐based [Ca2+]i manipulation as well as future challenges and prospects are discussed.