Double Core-shell Nanodisc Synthesis and Application to Magnetoelectric Bio-signaling

Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) with implanted electrodes revolutionized the treatment of movement disorders and empowered neuroscience studies. Identifying less invasive alternatives to DBS may further extend its clinical and research applications. Nano-material-mediated transduction of magnetic fields in to electric potentials offers an alternative to invasive DBS. Core-double shell magnetoelectric nanodiscs (MENDs), such as Fe_3O_4-CoFe_2O_4-BaTiO_3 with efficient magnetoelectric coupling are disclosed. The MENDs may exhibit a robust response to magnetic field stimulation to neurons decorated with MENDs at a density of 1 ug/mm^2 even though individual-particle potentials may be below the neuronal excitation threshold. MENDs injected into the ventral tegmental are of genetically intact mice at concentrations of 1 mg/mL may enable remote control of reward behavior and provide a mechanistic optimization of magnetoelectric neuromodulation.