Non-contact long-range magnetic stimulation of mechanosensitive ion channels in freely moving animals

Jung uk Lee, Wookjin Shin, Yongjun Lim, Jungsil Kim, Woon Ryoung Kim, Heehun Kim, Jae Hyun Lee, Jinwoo Cheon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

114 Scopus citations

Abstract

Among physical stimulation modalities, magnetism has clear advantages, such as deep penetration and untethered interventions in biological subjects. However, some of the working principles and effectiveness of existing magnetic neurostimulation approaches have been challenged, leaving questions to be answered. Here we introduce m-Torquer, a magnetic toolkit that mimics magnetoreception in nature. It comprises a nanoscale magnetic torque actuator and a circular magnet array, which deliver piconewton-scale forces to cells over a working range of ~70 cm. With m-Torquer, stimulation of neurons expressing bona fide mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 enables consistent and reproducible neuromodulation in freely moving mice. With its long working distance and cellular targeting capability, m-Torquer provides versatility in its use, which can range from single cells to in vivo systems, with the potential application in large animals such as primates.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1029-1036
Number of pages8
JournalNature Materials
Volume20
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2021

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Non-contact long-range magnetic stimulation of mechanosensitive ion channels in freely moving animals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this