CLC number:
On-line Access: 2025-07-30
Received: 2024-09-12
Revision Accepted: 2025-02-05
Crosschecked: 0000-00-00
Cited: 0
Clicked: 5
Hongyong Zhang, Lingrui Zhao, Nan Huang, Xiaobo Zhang, Tian Xu, Sumin Bian, Mohamad Sawan. Magnetic nanoparticles for single-neuron manipulation to design a customized neural circuit[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science D, 2025, 8(4): 511–523.
@article{title="Magnetic nanoparticles for single-neuron manipulation to design a
customized neural circuit",
author="Hongyong Zhang, Lingrui Zhao, Nan Huang, Xiaobo Zhang, Tian Xu, Sumin Bian, Mohamad Sawan",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science D",
volume="8",
number="4",
pages="511–523",
year="2025",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="10.1631/bdm.2400372"
}
%0 Journal Article
%T Magnetic nanoparticles for single-neuron manipulation to design a
customized neural circuit
%A Hongyong Zhang
%A Lingrui Zhao
%A Nan Huang
%A Xiaobo Zhang
%A Tian Xu
%A Sumin Bian
%A Mohamad Sawan
%J Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE D
%V 8
%N 4
%P 511–523
%@ 1869-1951
%D 2025
%I Zhejiang University Press & Springer
%DOI 10.1631/bdm.2400372
TY - JOUR
T1 - Magnetic nanoparticles for single-neuron manipulation to design a
customized neural circuit
A1 - Hongyong Zhang
A1 - Lingrui Zhao
A1 - Nan Huang
A1 - Xiaobo Zhang
A1 - Tian Xu
A1 - Sumin Bian
A1 - Mohamad Sawan
J0 - Journal of Zhejiang University Science D
VL - 8
IS - 4
SP - 511–523
EP -
%@ 1869-1951
Y1 - 2025
PB - Zhejiang University Press & Springer
ER -
DOI - 10.1631/bdm.2400372
Abstract: The complexity and intricacy of the brain, which is composed of billions of neurons, pose significant challenges to its study.
Understanding neural connections and communication at the single-cell level is crucial for unraveling the brain’s functions.
This study presents a novel strategy that utilizes magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnetic fields to manipulate neurons,
thereby creating customized small-scale neural circuits for studying neural connections. To establish the feasibility of this
approach, the effects of MNPs on neurons were initially investigated, demonstrating their low toxicity. Subsequently, a micro‐
magnet array (MMA) chip was employed to manipulate the neurons, facilitating their precise arrangement on the electrodes.
Over several days, the neurons extended their axons and established connections with neighboring cells, forming small-scale
circular neural circuits. These artificially engineered circuits offer a simplified and controlled environment for studying neu‐
ral networks in contrast to naturally occurring biological networks. Furthermore, electrophysiological recordings were con‐
ducted to investigate the connections between the manipulated neurons. This study introduces a customized small-scale neu‐
ral circuit platform with electrode-specific recording and stimulating capabilities, enabling the study of neuron-to-neuron in‐
teractions at the single-cell level. By leveraging MNPs and an MMA chip, this research offers a powerful tool for studying
neural connections and advancing our understanding of the brain’s intricate workings.
Open peer comments: Debate/Discuss/Question/Opinion
<1>