Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
External Excitation of Neurons Using Electric and Magnetic Fields in One- and Two-dimensional Cultures
Published on: May 7, 2017
Induction of Calcium Influx in Cortical Neural Networks by Nanomagnetic Forces
Andy Tay1, Anja Kunze1, Coleman Murray1
1Department of Bioengineering, ‡California Nanosystems Institute, and §Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California , Los Angeles, California 90025, United States.
Abstract:
Nanomagnetic force stimulation with ferromagnetic nanoparticles was found to trigger calcium influx in cortical neural networks without observable cytotoxicity. Stimulated neural networks showed an average of 20% increment in calcium fluorescence signals and a heightened frequency in calcium spiking. These effects were also confined spatially to areas with engineered high magnetic field gradients. Furthermore, blockage of N-type calcium channels inhibited the stimulatory effects of the nanomagnetic forces, suggesting the role of mechano-sensitive ion channels in mediating calcium influx.
