Nano-magnets can be used to restore damaged nerve cells -Bar-Ilan University
A novel technique uses magnetic manipulations to create “mini-brains” in order to restore damaged neural networks.
When neurons (nerve cells) 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.
These fundamental units of the brain and nervous system – composed of the cell body, the dendrites and the axon (a long, thin extension responsible for communicating with other cell) – are responsible for receiving sensory input from the external world, sending motor commands to our muscles and for transforming and relaying the electrical signals at every step in between.
“Our novel method of creating ‘mini-brains’ opens the door to finding solutions for various neurological impairments"
Prof. Shefi and Reut Plen
How "mini-brains" help repair nerve cells
Prof. Orit Shefi and doctoral student Reut Plen from the Kofkin Faculty of Engineering at Bar-Ilan University (BIU) 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 under the title “Bioengineering 3D Neural Networks Using Magnetic Manipulations.”
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved the use of magnetic nanoparticles for diagnostic and imaging purposes and in cases of severe injury. The steps taken by the Bar-Ilan research group will advance the technology for future clinical use. “This is only the beginning,” said Shefi and Plen. “Our novel method of creating ‘mini-brains’ opens the door to finding solutions for various neurological impairments which will hopefully improve the quality of life of numerous patients."
To create neural networks, the researchers injected magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles into neural progenitor cells, turning the cells into independent magnetic units. They then exposed the progenitor cells that 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.
source:https://www.jpost.com/science/article-723623