Effect of intracerebral Magnetoelectric nanoparticles on behavioral outcomes

INTRODUCTION: Current neuromodulation technologies face significant limitations in terms of invasiveness, spatial precision, and long-term compatibility. Recently developed magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) offer a promising alternative by enabling wireless and localized stimulation through external magnetic fields. Previous studies have demonstrated that a single 1 µg intracerebral dose of MENPs can induce motor activity and trigger intracellular calcium release, indicating neuronal activation. However, no evaluation post anesthesia or stimulation was assessed. METHODS: In the present study, we evaluated the behavioral and neurobiological effects of varying intracerebral doses of MENPs in a rat model. Behavioral assessments were conducted to detect potential alterations in motor and cognitive performance. Histological analyses were also performed to evaluate cellular integrity and detect any signs of neurotoxicity. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that MENPs (0.5–3 µg) do not produce detrimental behavioral outcomes or induce cell death across the tested dose range. These results support the safety profile of MENPs and underscore their potential for future applications in non-invasive neuromodulation therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Given the role of dysregulated neural activity in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, MENPs may offer a novel, targeted approach for modulating the brain circuits implicated in conditions such as depression, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease