Core-shell magnetoelectric nanorobot - A remotely controlled probe for targeted cell manipulation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Cell manipulation is crucial for biological research and therapies.
• Existing methods for cell manipulation often lack precision and remote control capabilities.
• The development of novel nanomaterials offers new possibilities for advanced biological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate inorganic magnetoelectric nanorobots (MENRs) for remote manipulation of live cells.
• To investigate the use of core-shell nanocomposites (CoFe2O4/BaTiO3) as MENRs.
• To explore the control of MENRs using alternating current (a.c.) or direct current (d.c.) magnetic fields for cell targeting, permeation, and transport.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of core-shell nanocomposites with ferromagnetic (CoFe2O4) cores and ferroelectric (BaTiO3) shells.
• Remote control of MENRs using applied a.c. or d.c. magnetic fields.
• Observation and analysis of MENR-mediated cell manipulation, including targeting, permeation, alignment, and transport.

Main Results:

• MENRs successfully performed targeted cell manipulation, permeation, and transport under remote magnetic field control.
• A.C. magnetic field excitation enabled MENRs to act as localized electric pulse generators, permeating and aligning cells.
• D.C. magnetic field excitation allowed MENRs to function as thrust generators, moving groups of cells and enabling targeted navigation.

Conclusions:

• Inorganic magnetoelectric nanorobots (MENRs) offer a novel, remotely controlled platform for dynamic manipulation of live cells.
• MENRs demonstrate versatile functionalities including cell permeation, alignment, targeted transport, and collective cell motion.
• This technology holds significant potential for advancing cell-based therapies, diagnostics, and fundamental biological research.