Parkinson’s Disease Could Be Treated With Magnetic Discs
Scientists are developing an alternative to deep brain stimulation (DBS) for neurological disorders using tiny injectable magnetic discs called magnetoelectric nanodiscs (MENDs). DBS typically requires invasive brain surgery to implant electrodes, which are powered by a device implanted in the chest and connected via subcutaneous wires. Existing less invasive methods are limited to surface brain stimulation or require genetic modification of brain tissue.
MENDs, developed by researchers at MIT and Friedrich-Alexander University, are hexagonal particles 250 nanometers wide. They consist of a magnetostrictive core and a piezoelectric shell. When exposed to an external magnetic field, the core changes shape, straining the shell and producing electricity. The discs can be injected into specific brain regions through small skull holes and activated externally, eliminating the need for implanted electrodes.
In tests on mice, MENDs injected into the subthalamic nucleus—a target for Parkinson’s treatment—produced motor control comparable to implanted electrodes. Researchers aim to enhance the piezoelectric effect for stronger electrical stimulation. This approach, recently published in Nature Nanotechnology, shows promise as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional DBS.