Nanoparticle research

Published: 2010-08-13

Clusters of heated, magnetic nanoparticles targeted at cell membranes can remotely control ion channels, neurons and even animal behaviour, according to a paper published by University at Buffalo physicists in Nature Nanotechnology.
The research could have broad application, potentially resulting in innovative cancer treatments that remotely manipulate selected proteins or cells in specific tissues, or improved diabetes therapies that remotely stimulate pancreatic cells to release insulin. The work also could be applied to the development of new therapies for some neurological disorders that result from insufficient neuro-stimulation.
The method uses magnetic fields to stimulate cells both in vitro and in vivo. The University at Buffalo researchers have demonstrated that their method can open calcium ion channels, activate neurons in cell culture and even manipulate the movements of the tiny nematode, C. elegans.