October 22, 2024
Nanodiscs Could Revolutionize Brain Therapy Without Surgery
Microscopic magnetic nanodiscs may offer a less invasive alternative to traditional deep brain stimulation (DBS), according to a new study. Unlike current DBS methods, which require surgically implanted electrodes, these tiny nanodiscs-about 1/500th the width of a human hair-could be injected into specific brain regions and activated by an external magnetic field.
In lab tests on mice, the nanodiscs successfully impacted brain activity and behavior, said researcher Ye Ji Kim from MIT. The study, published in Nature Nanotechnology, suggests this method could eventually be used to treat conditions like Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and obsessive-compulsive disorder without the risks of major brain surgery.
Deep brain stimulation is typically used for such conditions by surgically placing electrodes in the brain. These procedures, while effective, carry risks like infection and other complications. The new nanodisc approach could minimize these risks by eliminating the need for invasive surgery.
The discs contain a magnetic core and an electrically charged shell. When exposed to an external magnet, the core activates and generates electrical pulses that stimulate neurons in targeted areas of the brain. Researchers found that this technology worked in brain regions associated with reward and motor control in mice, including the subthalamic nucleus, the area commonly targeted to manage Parkinson's disease symptoms.
However, the nanodiscs still require further development to produce the necessary level of stimulation for treating human disorders. "Yes, it's a record-breaking particle, but it's not as record-breaking as it could be," said senior researcher Polina Anikeeva. Despite this, she added that once the technology is refined, it could potentially undergo more rigorous testing in larger animals, paving the way for future human trials.
Though promising, experts caution that results in animal research don't always translate to humans.