Magnetoelectric Nanoparticles Enable Modulation of Cortical Networks by Low-Intensity Static Magnetic Fields In Vitro

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Materials Science
• Biophysics

Background:

• Non-invasive brain neuromodulation faces challenges in spatial and temporal resolution.
• Current techniques struggle to achieve precise control over brain activity.
• There is a need for advanced methods to modulate neural circuits effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) can enhance the neuromodulatory effects of static magnetic fields.
• To enable brain activity modulation using low-intensity magnetic fields (<100 mT).
• To establish a link between magnetic inputs and network-level brain activity.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MENPs with cobalt ferrite core and barium titanate shell.
• Magnetoelectric modeling to estimate electric fields generated by MENPs.
• Electrophysiological recordings of cortical network activity in brain slices.
• Testing neuromodulation under low-intensity static magnetic fields with and without MENPs.

Main Results:

• Low-intensity magnetic fields alone did not affect neuronal activity.
• MENPs enabled magnetic fields to activate cortical networks.
• Spontaneous rhythmic activity frequency and network excitability were enhanced in the presence of MENPs.
• MENPs significantly lowered the threshold for magnetic neuromodulation.

Conclusions:

• MENPs act as a bridge, translating weak magnetic signals into significant neuromodulation.
• This technology offers a promising strategy for wireless control of neuronal network dynamics.
• MENPs hold potential for modulating deep brain circuits non-invasively.