Magnetothermally responsive fibrin hydrogel for localized neuromodulation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Magnetic biointerfaces are crucial for neural regeneration and neuromodulation.
• Current magnetothermal neuromodulation lacks spatial control and suffers from off-target nanoparticle distribution, limiting clinical use.
• Need for advanced platforms for precise, localized neural stimulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a magnetically responsive hydrogel for spatially controlled magnetothermal neuromodulation.
• To investigate the biocompatibility and efficacy of magnetic fibrin hydrogels in neural constructs.
• To assess the potential of this platform for minimally invasive bioelectronic therapies.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of magnetically responsive fibrin hydrogels incorporating polyethylene glycol-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs).
• Characterization of hydrogel morphology, mechanical properties, and degradation kinetics.
• Assessment of temperature increases under alternating magnetic fields (AMFs) and evaluation of dorsal root ganglion explant viability and neurite outgrowth.

Main Results:

• Hybrid hydrogels exhibited tunable properties and generated localized heating under AMFs.
• The magnetic fibrin hydrogel supported high explant viability (>95%) and promoted neurite outgrowth.
• Ex vivo spinal cord tissue demonstrated localized, concentration-dependent heating, confirming efficient heat transfer.

Conclusions:

• Fibrin-based magnetic hydrogels provide a biocompatible platform for spatially controlled magnetothermal neuromodulation.
• This technology enables precise thermal stimulation of neural tissue.
• Potential for development of implantable interfaces for advanced bioelectronic therapies.