Tellurium nanowire retinal nanoprosthesis improves vision in models of blindness
- Shuiyuan Wang
- Chengyong Jiang
- Yiye Yu
- Zhenhan Zhang
- Ruge Quhe
- Ruyi Yang
- Yufei Tian
- Xindong Chen
- Wenqiang Fan
- Yinge Niu
- Biao Yan
- Chunhui Jiang
- Yang Wang
- Zhen Wang
- Chunsen Liu
- Weida Hu
- Jiayi Zhang
- Peng Zhou
2025-06-05
Present vision restoration technologies have substantial constraints that limit their application in the clinical setting. In this work, we fabricated a subretinal nanoprosthesis using tellurium nanowire networks (TeNWNs) that converts light of both the visible and near-infrared–II spectra into electrical signals. The broad-spectrum coverage is made possible by a combination of narrow bandgaps, strong absorption, and engineered asymmetries. Implanted into blind mice, the TeNWNs restored pupillary reflexes and enabled visually cued learning under visible and near-infrared 1550-nanometer light. In nonhuman primates, TeNWNs elicited robust retina-derived neural responses, confirming biocompatibility and feasibility. By restoring lost photosensitivity and extending vision to near-infrared, this nanoprosthesis offers a promising approach for restoring vision.