Janus microparticles-based targeted and spatially-controlled piezoelectric neural stimulation via low-intensity focused ultrasound

Janus microparticles-based targeted and spatially-controlled piezoelectric neural stimulation via low-intensity focused ultrasound

05 March 2024 | Mertcan Han, Erdost Yildiz, Ugur Bozuyuk, Asli Aydin, Yan Yu, Aarushi Bhargava, Selcan Karaz, Metin Sitti
This study presents a novel approach to achieve cell-specific and high-frequency piezoelectric neural stimulation using injectable, free-standing silica-based piezoelectric magnetic Janus microparticles (PEMPs). The PEMP design combines a piezoelectric electrode with a magnetic half, enabling low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU)-mediated neural stimulation. The piezoelectric properties of the BaTiO3 nanoparticles (BTNPs) on one half of the PEMP induce electrical stimulation, while the nickel-gold nanofilm-coated magnetic half provides spatial and orientational control via external magnetic fields. Surface functionalization with targeting antibodies allows cell-specific binding and stimulation of dopaminergic neurons. Key features of the PEMP design include low threshold ultrasound intensity (<100 mW/cm²), high-frequency neuromodulation (up to 200 Hz), orientational and positional control, and cell-specific stimulation capability. In vitro experiments on primary neurons demonstrated effective membrane depolarization, high stimulation success rates, and safe bioelectrical stability under continuous stimulation. Finite element simulations and calcium imaging experiments further confirmed the confined electric field and spatial control of neural stimulation. The biocompatibility of the PEMP was evaluated, showing no significant toxicity or immune reactive effects on various cell types. This proof-of-concept design paves the way for non-genetic, minimally invasive neural stimulation with high spatiotemporal resolution, offering potential implications for basic neuroscience research and neurotherapeutic applications.This study presents a novel approach to achieve cell-specific and high-frequency piezoelectric neural stimulation using injectable, free-standing silica-based piezoelectric magnetic Janus microparticles (PEMPs). The PEMP design combines a piezoelectric electrode with a magnetic half, enabling low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU)-mediated neural stimulation. The piezoelectric properties of the BaTiO3 nanoparticles (BTNPs) on one half of the PEMP induce electrical stimulation, while the nickel-gold nanofilm-coated magnetic half provides spatial and orientational control via external magnetic fields. Surface functionalization with targeting antibodies allows cell-specific binding and stimulation of dopaminergic neurons. Key features of the PEMP design include low threshold ultrasound intensity (<100 mW/cm²), high-frequency neuromodulation (up to 200 Hz), orientational and positional control, and cell-specific stimulation capability. In vitro experiments on primary neurons demonstrated effective membrane depolarization, high stimulation success rates, and safe bioelectrical stability under continuous stimulation. Finite element simulations and calcium imaging experiments further confirmed the confined electric field and spatial control of neural stimulation. The biocompatibility of the PEMP was evaluated, showing no significant toxicity or immune reactive effects on various cell types. This proof-of-concept design paves the way for non-genetic, minimally invasive neural stimulation with high spatiotemporal resolution, offering potential implications for basic neuroscience research and neurotherapeutic applications.
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