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October 11, 2021 feature
electromechanical nanogenerators to regulate cell activity
by Thamarasee Jeewandara , Phys.org
{ excerpt }:
The extracellular matrix (ECM) including three-dimensional (3D) network and bioelectricity can profoundly influence cell development, migration, and functional expression.
In a new report now published on Science Advances, Tong Li and a research team in chemistry, nanotechnology, bioelectronics and advanced materials in China,
developed an electromechanical coupling bio-nanogenerator abbreviated bio-NG inspired by biophysical cues of the extracellular matrix.
The device contained highly discrete piezoelectric fibers to generate piezo potential of up to millivolts to provide in situ electrical stimulation for living cells.
The unique 3D space within the bio-NGs provided an ECM-like environment to promote cell growth.
The bio-NGs effectively promoted cell viability and development to maintain its specific functional expression.
Researchers expect the new and advanced bio-NGs to mimic the complexity of the extracellular matrix and provide a physiologically relevant in vivo biological system
The device effectively promoted cell viability and development to maintain its specific functional expression. Li et al. expect the new and advanced version of bio-nanogenerators
to provide a physiologically relevant in vivo biological system to replace inaccurate 2D systems and animal models.
Guidance for cells
In this work, Li et al. outlined a practical strategy for wireless electrical stimulation of cells and tissues to repair and sustain cell function. { conversely to destroy and demolish via remote control }
Bioelectricity is a biophysical cue that provides guidance for cell growth and differentiation during embryonic development and tissue regeneration.
Endogenous bioelectricity exists in the cytoplasm and extracellular space, providing scientists a resource for electrical stimulation of excitable cells and regulating cellular activity for biomedical applications.
Most treatment methods require an external energy input and wire connection to apply external electrical pulses through implanted microdevices.
Recent developments in nanotechnology have allowed electrode-less and battery-free treatments, which include the use of nanogenerators for brain stimulation, hair regeneration and wound healing.
However, most of them require a well-accepted solution to electrically stimulate the functional cells.
Li et al. were therefore inspired by the biological function and microstructure of collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix to form bio-NGs composed of highly discrete piezoelectric electrospun fibers
to provide cells with a physically relevant microenvironment.
The bio-NG-cell interaction applies to in vivo environments to reduce inflammation, induce hepatocyte proliferation, and accelerate angiogenesis, as well as promote liver repair.
During the experiments, the research team introduced iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles into polyacrylonitrile to prepare highly discrete fibers for use as a magnetic-assisted electrospinning device.
During electrospinning, the setup enabled the formation of scaffolds with well-interconnected pores and discrete fibers for cell-free migration.
The experimental voltage signals validated the theoretical piezoelectricity of the bio-NGs.
Outlook
In this way, Tong Li and colleagues developed extracellular matrix-like electromechanical coupling bio-nanogenerators (bio-NGs) to regulate cell activity and maintain its specific functional expression.
The product created a local voltage potential to stimulate living cells as long as they remained motile.
The unique environment facilitated cell culture in bio-NGs to trigger the opening of ion channels present in the cellular plasma membrane to achieve electrical stimulation at the single-cell level.
The process offers great potential for bioelectronic medicine and cell-targeted local electrical impulses.
The new method can replace inaccurate 2D systems and time-consuming animal models to provide a biomimetic, physiological microenvironment for accelerated tissue regeneration and bioinspired electronic medicine.
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https://phys.org/news/2021-10-bioinspired-electromechanical-nanogenerators-cell.html
https://archive.ph/kVKQs