Russian researchers found effective way to stimulate brain neurons without surgery

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Russian researchers found effective way to stimulate brain neurons without surgery

Materials scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University, as part of a scientific collaboration, have developed biocompatible nanoparticles that, under the influence of weak magnetic fields, can stimulate the function of brain neurons without surgical interventions and implants. The research results have shown that optimizing the structure of magnetoelectric nanoparticles makes it possible to increase the number of stimulated neurons by tripling the influx of calcium to neurons. The new technology lays the scientific basis for noninvasive treatment of neurological diseases.

The research has been supported by the grant of the Russian Science Foundation (No. 24-43-00171). Research results have been published in the journal Ceramics International (Q1, IF: 5,6).

Implantable metal electrodes are often used in modern medicine for neuromodulation of cells and tissues. However, such a procedure can cause infections, injure tissues, and be rejected by the body. As a safe alternative, researchers are considering biocompatible magnetoelectric nanoparticles. This is a class of materials at the junction of materials science, physics and biomedicine, which provides the possibility to convert magnetic field into localized electrical impulses, which allows for non-invasive stimulation of living cells.

TPU researchers, together with their colleagues, have created biocompatible nanoparticles with a size of less than 30 nm (this is hundreds of times smaller than blood cells - editor's note). Each of them has a superparamagnetic core made of a compound of manganese ferrite and a lead-free shell of barium titanate. The synthesis of nanoparticles was performed with the help of microwave hydrothermal synthesis. By varying three parameters - temperature, alkali concentration, and reaction time - the researchers controlled nanoparticle structure.

"Thanks to the special synthesis technology, we have learned how to fine-tune the properties of the shell. This made it possible to enhance the magnetoelectric effect: the ability to turn magnetic effect into an electrical signal which is "understood" by the nerve cell, says Roman Chernozem, head of the study, associate professor at the TPU Research School of Chemical and Biomedical Technologies. - We are particularly interested in particles synthesized at a temperature of 185 °C. Special areas appeared in their shell - partially amorphous zones and the trace content of one of the possible intermediate phases during the formation of perovskite. As a result, we were able to obtain a record-breaking magnetoelectric response for nanostructures that do not contain lead or cobalt which increase the risks of toxic effects."

The research results have shown that nanoparticles synthesized at 185 °C are most promising. They tripled the influx of calcium ions into neurons under the influence of a weak magnetic field (this is one of the key mechanisms underlying functioning of the nervous system, memory and synapses plasticity - editor's note). Besides, such particles activated 20% more nerve cells compared to similar particles.

The tests have confirmed complete safety of our nanoparticles for cells at concentrations up to 30 micrograms/ml, this volume is sufficient for effective therapy. The new technology can be easily adapted to a specific clinical task: from pain management to stroke recovery. In the future, such nanoparticles may become the basis for the treatment of depression, neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases), as well as for the nerve fiber regenerative process. We will soon begin in vivo animal studies.,

- adds Roman Surmenev, director of the International Research Center for Piezoelectric and Magnetoelectric Materials at TPU.

The study involved researchers from the TPU Research School of Chemical and Biomedical Technologies, the Center for Bio- and Medical Technologies, the Center for Improving the Quality of Life using Future Technologies, TSU, the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, SB RAS, the Federal Medical and Biological Agency and the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS.