Team creates nano-magnets that could restore damaged nerve 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 novel technique 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 neural progenitor cells, thus turning the cells into independent magnetic units.

Next, they exposed the progenitor cells, 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.

Image source: Plen et al. (2022), Advanced Functional Materials.