Remote Magnetomechanical Neuromodulation Uncovers Therapeutic Mechanisms for Alleviating Parkinsonian Symptoms in Freely Moving Mice
Wolters A, Signorelli L, Herff C, Gimple S, Riemens R, Kenis G, Rijkers K, Shabani H, Sun JJ, Temel Y, Clusmann H, Gregurec D, Hescham SA (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
DOI: 10.1002/advs.75097
Abstract
To overcome the limitations of invasive neuromodulation systems, we introduce a wireless magnetomechanical approach for remote, minimally-invasive deep brain stimulation (DBS) without chronically implanted hardware. This method leverages biocompatible magnetite nanodiscs (MNDs) with ground vortex magnetization, which undergo in-plane transitions under low-frequency alternating magnetic fields, generating localized piconewton-scale torques. These torques engage endogenous mechanosensory pathways to modulate neural activity, enabling reversible stimulation without genetic modifications. Calcium-imaging validated rapid neuromodulatory effects of MNDs in vitro and ex vivo, motivating the application of magnetomechanical DBS to the subthalamic nucleus in mice. We demonstrated remote control of motor behavior in wild-type mice and significant restoration of motor function in a severe hemiparkinsonian model. Demonstrating efficacy at multiple experimental scales, this work establishes a clinically compatible, electrode-free neuromodulation technology combining nanoscale engineering with mechanosensory signaling, paving the way toward a minimally-invasive DBS approach suitable for outpatient use and for patients ineligible for conventional DBS.
Authors with CRIS profile
Lorenzo Signorelli
Juniorprofessur für Sensory Sciences
Hamed Shabani
Juniorprofessur für Sensory Sciences
Danijela Gregurec
Juniorprofessur für Sensory Sciences
Involved external institutions
Maastricht University
Netherlands (NL)
ATLAS Neuroengineering
Belgium (BE)
Universitätsklinikum Aachen (UKA)
Germany (DE)
Netherlands (NL)
ATLAS Neuroengineering
Belgium (BE)
Universitätsklinikum Aachen (UKA)
Germany (DE)
How to cite
APA:
Wolters, A., Signorelli, L., Herff, C., Gimple, S., Riemens, R., Kenis, G.,... Hescham, S.A. (2026). Remote Magnetomechanical Neuromodulation Uncovers Therapeutic Mechanisms for Alleviating Parkinsonian Symptoms in Freely Moving Mice. Advanced Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.75097
MLA:
Wolters, Anouk, et al. "Remote Magnetomechanical Neuromodulation Uncovers Therapeutic Mechanisms for Alleviating Parkinsonian Symptoms in Freely Moving Mice." Advanced Science (2026).
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