Journal of Nanomedicine & Biotherapeutic Discovery

Journal of Nanomedicine & Biotherapeutic Discovery
Open Access

ISSN: 2155-983X

+44 1300 500008

Short Communication - (2025)Volume 15, Issue 1

View PDF Download PDF

Magnetically Actuated Shape-Memory Nanowires for Minimally Invasive Neural Stimulation

Rick Hamler*
 
*Correspondence: Rick Hamler, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, Email:

Author info »

Description

Neural stimulation technologies have transformed the treatment of neurological disorders; however, current approaches typically require invasive implantation of rigid electrodes or rely on non- specific transcranial stimulation with limited spatial precision. We have developed magnetically responsive shape-memory nanowires capable of wireless, targeted neural stimulation with cellular-level precision. These composite nanowires, approximately 2μm in length and 200nm in diameter, consist of a biodegradable shape-memory polymer matrix embedded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and conductive elements that enable transduction of magnetic fields into localized electrical stimulation [1,2].

The nanowires were synthesized through a template-assisted electrodeposition process, creating a core-shell architecture with precisely controlled composition and geometry. The polymer backbone incorporates specialized block copolymers that exhibit shape-memory properties, allowing programming of complex three-dimensional configurations that can be triggered through subtle temperature changes generated by alternating magnetic fields [3]. Magnetic responsiveness was optimized through incorporation of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) with tailored surface chemistry to ensure uniform distribution throughout the polymer matrix. The conductive elements consist of gold nanorods aligned parallel to the long axis of the nanowire, creating anisotropic electrical properties that enhance field transduction efficiency. Surface functionalization with neural adhesion molecules facilitates stable interface formation with target neurons without inducing inflammatory responses [4].

In vitro characterization using patch-clamp electrophysiology demonstrated successful depolarization of primary cortical neurons following application of Alternating Magnetic Fields (AMF) at biocompatible frequencies and amplitudes. Calcium imaging revealed that approximately 87% of neurons with attached nanowires exhibited activation patterns temporally correlated with AMF application, while untreated neurons in the same cultures showed no significant response. Electron microscopy confirmed intimate contact between nanowires and neuronal membranes without evidence of cellular damage or internalization. Multi-electrode array recordings from nanowire- treated neural networks demonstrated the ability to induce specific spatiotemporal firing patterns through modulation of the external magnetic field, suggesting potential for complex stimulation paradigms [5-8].

Following stereotactic injection into the motor cortex of mice, the nanowires demonstrated stable positioning with minimal migration as confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging over a 4- week period. Wireless stimulation through external AMF application resulted in highly reproducible motor responses corresponding to the specific cortical regions targeted, with behavioral effects observed at field strengths approximately 20- fold lower than those required for conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation. Immuno-histochemical analysis revealed minimal glial scarring around the nanowires, with maintenance of normal neuronal densities in the injection region. Importantly, long-term potentiation protocols delivered through timed nanowire activation demonstrated successful induction of synaptic plasticity, suggesting potential applications in rehabilitative neuro-stimulation [9].

Safety evaluations included comprehensive analysis of potential heating effects, with maximum temperature elevations limited to less than 1°C under typical operating conditions [10]. Biodegradation studies demonstrated gradual breakdown of the polymer matrix over approximately 6 months, with complete elimination of all components through normal metabolic and excretory pathways as confirmed by quantitative tissue analysis. Neurobehavioral testing throughout the degradation period revealed no deficits in cognitive function or motor coordination, supporting biocompatibility of both the intact nanowires and their degradation products. These magnetically actuated shape- memory nanowires represent a promising platform for minimally invasive, wireless neural interfaces with unprecedented spatial resolution, potentially enabling new therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders while minimizing the tissue damage and foreign body responses associated with conventional implantable electrodes.

Conclusion

Biodistribution studies utilizing non-invasive imaging confirmed an intravascular half-life of approximately 25 hours, significantly longer than previous hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers. Metabolism studies demonstrated gradual biodegradation of the polymeric components through hydrolytic and enzymatic processes, with complete clearance documented within 12 days and no evidence of bioaccumulation in any tissue. These microfluidic-engineered Risk-Based Compliance Monitoring’s (RBCMs) represent a promising bridge therapy for hemorrhagic shock in settings where blood products are unavailable or impractical, potentially extending the critical window for definitive intervention while avoiding complications associated with previous generations of artificial oxygen carriers.

References

Author Info

Rick Hamler*
 
Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
 

Citation: Hamler R (2025). Magnetically Actuated Shape-Memory Nanowires for Minimally Invasive Neural Stimulation. J Nanomedicine Biotherapeutic Discov. 15:292.

Received: 02-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. JNBD-25-37296; Editor assigned: 06-Jan-2025, Pre QC No. JNBD-25-37296 (PQ); Reviewed: 20-Jan-2025, QC No. JNBD-25-37296; Revised: 27-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. JNBD-25-37296 (R); Published: 03-Feb-2025 , DOI: 10.35248/2155-983X -25.15.292

Copyright: © 2025 Hamler R. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Top