Magnetic nanoparticles for neurostimulation

The field of neuromodulation is progressing rapidly, yet there still exist some limitations. Most of the techniques include permanent implants and require invasive procedures. Furthermore, such techniques are not programmed to modulate specific neuron cell types, do not involve rapid pharmacokinetics, and have restricted target tissue activation depth. Therefore, investigation into other possible neuromodulation techniques is required. In this chapter, we will focus on the usage of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as transducers in advanced neuromodulation. Upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), certain MNPs radiate heat, mechanical force/torque, and an electrical field at the nanoscale through hysteresis. The use of MNP heating in the treatment of cancer has shown promise, and now it is also being utilized to deliver remote, noninvasive, and wireless neuromodulation. As a result, MNPs may lead to the exploration of brain functions via neuromodulation, leading to the potential application of MNPs for the target-specific treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. We have addressed the potential biomedical application of MNPs and their delivery into the brain, their stimulation mechanisms, and their remote control in living tissues.