Magnetoelectric materials for wireless neuronal modulation

by Kristen Kozielski, Ph.D.

Neural implants are devices that can enable doctors and engineers to electrically sense or modulate neural behavior. A nano- or microscale neuroprosthetic that operates wirelessly could be implanted using minimally-invasive routes, potentially avoiding surgical intervention. Magnetoelectric materials, those that couple magnetic fields to electric fields, allow us to wirelessly generate electric signals using input magnetic signals, but also allow us to sense electric signals via output magnetic signals. Herein, I will introduce the capability to wirelessly interface with neurons usin magnetoelectric materials. As these materials directly create an electric field, they can modulate neuronal activity without any biochemical or genetic cell manipulation. I will describe their chemical synthesis and characterization, and demonstrate that they generate electric signals in response to the application of a magnetic field. Finally, I will show their ability to modulate neuronal behavior in vitro, and will conclude with a discussion on potential future applications of these materials for wireless medical intervention.