Wireless Manipulation of Magnetic/Piezoelectric Micromotors for Precise Neural Stem‐Like Cell Stimulation

Abstract

Precise neural electrical stimulation, which is a means of promoting neuronal regeneration, is a promising solution for patients with neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, wirelessly controllable targeted motion and precise stimulation at the single‐cell level using S.platensis@Fe3O4@tBaTiO3 micromotors are successfully demonstrated for the first time. A highly versatile and multifunctional biohybrid soft micromotor is fabricated via the integration of S.platensis with magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanoparticles. The results show that this micromotor system can achieve navigation in a highly controllable manner under a low‐strength rotating magnetic field. The as‐developed system can achieve single‐cell targeted motion and then precisely induce the differentiation of the targeted neural stem‐like cell by converting ultrasonic energy to an electrical signal in situ owing to the piezoelectric effect. This new approach toward the high‐precision stimulation of neural stem‐like cells opens up new applications for micromotors and has excellent potential for precise neuronal regenerative therapies.

Medical Micro/Nanorobots in Precision Medicine

“…[361] Piezoelectric microrobots were also reported as wireless probes for neural stimulation mapping and differentiation of single cell using the piezoelectric effect produced by an external ultrasound field. [362] For example, electrically powered microrobot were used as motile electrodes capable of deforming cells, in which the resulting distortion of the cell nucleus correlated with detectable dielectrophoretic potential wells. [363] Viscosity is an important parameter for medical applications.…”

From Passive Inorganic Oxides to Active Matters of Micro/Nanomotors

“…A resultant translational corkscrew movement of the motor with the motion speed of 33.3 µm s −1 and a rotational speed of 120 rad min −1 is achieved under a ≈50 G magnetic field, which is also featured with an a excellent direction controllability in this system. [ 70 ] Additionally, Fe 3 O 4 NPs can be loaded into red blood cells (RBCs) to synthesis cell cyborg (RBC motors) driven by ultrasonic/magnetic fields. [ 71 ] The asymmetric geometry of RBCs and the uneven distribution of Fe 3 O 4 NPs makes the motors propel under the action of ultrasonic waves, while the excellent magnetic properties of Fe 3 O 4 allows precisely guidance under magnetic field.…”

Trends in Micro‐/Nanorobotics: Materials Development, Actuation, Localization, and System Integration for Biomedical Applications

“…Another recent finding shows that the delivered micromotors can also induce the differentiation of the neural stem‐like cell by converting ultrasonic energy to an electrical signal in situ because of the piezoelectric effect. [ 337 ] These micromotor‐guided cell growth and differentiation may show potential for in vivo regeneration of axons to mediate brain and spinal cord repair.…”