Researchers at Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) say they have developed biocompatible magnetoelectric nanoparticles that stimulate neurons when exposed to weak magnetic fields. The team reported particles under 30 nanometres with a superparamagnetic manganese ferrite core and a lead‑free barium titanate shell.
The group — working as part of an international collaboration and reporting via the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education — used a microwave‑assisted hydrothermal synthesis method. By varying temperature, alkali concentration and reaction time the researchers controlled particle structure and electrical properties.
In lab tests, the variant made at 185°C produced the strongest effect. That version tripled calcium‑ion influx into neurons and activated about 20% more nerve cells than other synthesis variants, the team reported. Calcium influx is a common proxy for neuronal activation in vitro.
"Thanks to a special synthesis technique, we have learnt how to precisely tune the properties of the shell. This has allowed us to enhance the magnetoelectric effect — the ability to convert a magnetic field into an electrical signal that a nerve cell 'understands'," said Roman Chernozem, head of the project and an associate professor at TPU's Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences.
Roman Surmenev, director of TPU's International Research Center of Piezo and Magnetoelectric Materials, said the nanoparticles showed full biocompatibility at therapeutic concentrations. The researchers said the approach could be adapted for clinical aims such as pain management, post‑stroke recovery and treating neurodegenerative conditions, but that further in vivo studies are needed to test safety and efficacy.
The TPU report frames this work as an alternative to implanted metal electrodes by converting externally applied magnetic fields into local electrical stimuli without direct contact. The findings are reported on the Ministry's official website; the team did not publish a peer‑reviewed paper in the source material provided.
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Tags: magnetoelectric nanoparticles, non-invasive brain stimulation, Tomsk Polytechnic University, manganese ferrite, barium titanate
Topics: Non-invasive brain stimulation, Neuromodulation, Neuroscience & neuroplasticity