We developed membrane voltage nanosensors that are based on inorganic semiconductor nanoparticles. We provide here a feasibility study for their utilization. We use a rationally designed peptide to functionalize the nanosensors, imparting them with the ability to self-insert into a lipid membrane with a desired orientation. Once inserted, these nanosensors could sense membrane potential via the quantum confined Stark effect, with a single-particle sensitivity. With further improvements, these nanosensors could potentially be used for simultaneous recording of action potentials from multiple neurons in a large field of view over a long duration and for recording electrical signals on the nanoscale, such as across one synapse.

We develop membrane voltage nanosensors that are based on inorganic semiconductor nanoparticles. These voltage nanosensors are designed to self-insert into the cell membrane and optically record the membrane potential via the quantum confined Stark effect, with single-particle sensitivity. We present here the approach, design rules, and feasibility proves for this concept. With further improvements, semiconductor nanoparticles could potentially be used to study signals from many neurons in a large field-of-view over a long duration. Moreover, they could potentially report and resolve voltage signals on the nanoscale.