Team creates nano-magnets that could restore damaged nerve cells

Team creates nano-magnets that could restore damaged nerve cells
Advanced Functional Materials (2022). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202204925″>

The nano-magnets that will restore damaged nerve cellsAdvanced Functional Materials (2022). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202204925″ width=”800″ height=”347″>
Modular magnetic devices for applying local magnetic fields. Applying magnetic fields using A) 4 mm diameter pinhole parallelly-aligned and beehive-like magnetic devices. B) 1.5 cm diameter ring magnet. i) Illustrations of magnetic devices. In blue: pores are arranged in a beehive-like pattern, in red: pores are arranged in parallel lines. ii) Life-size images of magnetic rod/ring. iii) Simulations of magnetic flux density in COMSOL software. The images present a top view of magnetic flux density generated by a magnetic rod/ring in tesla (T). Intensity is color-coded (low intensity in dark blue, high intensity in red). iv) COMSOL simulations of magnetic field, magnetic flux density, and magnetic force 1 mm above the magnetic rod/ring. The magnetic field is indicated as solid lines. The intensity of the magnetic flux density in tesla (T) is color-coded (low intensity in dark blue, high intensity in red) and the direction of the force is indicated by red arrows. Credit: Advanced Functional Materials (2022). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202204925

Neurons are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, the cells responsible for receiving sensory input from the external world, for sending motor commands to our muscles, and for transforming and relaying the electrical signals at every step in between. Neurons, also called nerve cells, are composed of three main parts: the cell body, the dendrites and the axon—a long, thin extension that is responsible for communicating with other cells.

When neurons are damaged by degenerative disease or injury, they have little, if any, ability to heal on their own. Restoring neural networks and their normal function is therefore a significant challenge in the field of tissue engineering.

Prof. Orit Shefi and doctoral student Reut Plen from the Kofkin Faculty of Engineering at Bar-Ilan University have developed a to overcome this challenge using nanotechnology and magnetic manipulations, one of the most innovative approaches to creating neural networks. Their research was recently published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.

To create neural networks, the researchers injected magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles into , thus turning the cells into independent magnetic units.

Next, they exposed the , known to develop into neurons, to a number of pre-adjusted magnetic fields and remotely directed their movement within a three-dimensional and multi-layered collagen substrate that mimics the natural characteristics of body tissue. Through these magnetic manipulations, they created three-dimensional “mini-brains”—functional and multi-layered neural networks that mimic elements found in the brain of mammals.

After the collagen solution solidified into a gel, the cells remained in place according to the remotely applied magnetic fields. Within a few days, the cells developed into mature neurons, formed extensions and connections, demonstrated electrical activity and thrived in the collagen gel for at least 21 days.

“This method paves the way for the creation of 3D cell architecture on a customized scale for use in bioengineering, therapeutic and research applications, both inside and outside the body,” says Ph.D. student Reut Plen.

“Since the 3D we created simulate innate properties of human brain tissues, they can be used as experimental ‘mini-brains’ and serve as a model for the study of medicinal drugs, for investigating communication between tissues, and as a way to build artificial networks for interfaces between engineering and biological components.”

“In addition, the model suggests an interesting prospect for injecting such a gel, which contains cells, in its , introducing it into the and organizing the cells into the correct structure with the assistance of magnetic forces. The advantage of using this method is that magnetic fields can affect cells located deep inside the body in a non-invasive manner,” adds Plen.

Inserting magnetic particles into cells, and into in particular, raises questions regarding the safety of future medical applications. “The issue of safety is important and we’ve devoted much thought and research into it,” Prof. Orit Shefi points out.

“In the first step, we tested the effect of different particles on cell health in culture. In addition, we coated the magnetic particles with a biocompatible protein. The coating creates a buffer between the magnetic element and the cell and encourages penetration of the nanoparticles. Importantly, iron, the building block of the nanoparticle, exists naturally in the body so it isn’t a foreign substance. Additionally, the same gel with magnetic particles has been tested in our laboratory and found safe to use in animal models.”

The US Food and Drug Administration has already approved the use of magnetic nanoparticles for diagnostic and imaging purposes and in cases of severe injury. The steps taken by the Bar-Ilan research group create an opportunity to advance the technology for future clinical use. “This is only the beginning,” say Shefi and Plen. “Our novel method of creating ‘mini-brains’ opens the door to finding solutions for various neurological impairments which will hopefully improve the quality of life of numerous patients.”

More information:
Reut Plen et al, Bioengineering 3D Neural Networks Using Magnetic Manipulations, Advanced Functional Materials (2022). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202204925

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Team creates nano-magnets that could restore damaged nerve cells (2022, November 29)
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Peyman Taeidi

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