An MSCA Doctoral Network developing active nanomaterials for magnetic sensing and stimulation of deep brain structures. The research centres on minimally invasive approaches and closed-loop control, linking materials science with neural measurement and modulation.
Project abstract
NEUROMAGIC is set to pioneer a groundbreaking approach in the realm of bidirectional brain-machine interfaces (BBMIs) by creating Smart Anisotropic Magnetic Nanomaterials (SAMNs) for wireless, precise, and cell-specific neuromodulation in deep brain regions. This innovative technology circumvents the need for invasive electrode implants, by establishing a mi…Read the full abstractCollapse abstract
NEUROMAGIC is set to pioneer a groundbreaking approach in the realm of bidirectional brain-machine interfaces (BBMIs) by creating Smart Anisotropic Magnetic Nanomaterials (SAMNs) for wireless, precise, and cell-specific neuromodulation in deep brain regions. This innovative technology circumvents the need for invasive electrode implants, by establishing a minimally-invasive and highly effective communication channel with neurons. By exploiting the unique properties of SAMNs, engineered through the doping of anisotropic magnetite nanoparticles with divalent transition metals, NEUROMAGIC will to significantly enhance vortex magnetization, facilitating the conversion of magnetic fields into mechanical torques that can trigger neuronal excitation via calcium influx, thereby enabling precise monitoring and modulation of neural activity. We will employ advanced polymer and biomolecule functionalization techniques to endow SAMNs with dual capabilities: target specific neuronal populations and read out neural activity through calcium signaling. This will be achieved by integrating a calcium-specific protein for direct MRI-based detection of neural activity and by functionalizing SAMNs with genetic material and antibodies to achieve cell-type specificity. NEUROMAGIC will leverage an Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) framework, incorporating text-mining, NLP, and predictive modeling, to optimize the magnetic properties of SAMNs, ensuring their effective passage through the blood-brain barrier and proximity to neuron membranes. A novel controller system based on reinforcement learning will enable real-time, adaptive neuromodulation tailored to individual physiological responses. This approach promises to revolutionize the field of BBMIs, offering a versatile platform for both research and therapeutic applications, with the potential to transform the treatment landscape for a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Research connections
Publications
2026
Journal of nanobiotechnology
Neuromodulation techniques have emerged as transformative tools for treating several neurological and psychiatric disorders, offering alternatives to traditional pharmacological approaches often hindered by the blood-brain barrier and off-target effects. While conventional modalities like deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and optogen…Read the full abstractCollapse abstract
Neuromodulation techniques have emerged as transformative tools for treating several neurological and psychiatric disorders, offering alternatives to traditional pharmacological approaches often hindered by the blood-brain barrier and off-target effects. While conventional modalities like deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and optogenetics have shown promise, they each face limitations in invasiveness, spatial resolution, or clinical applicability. In recent years, low-intensity ultrasound has gained attention as a noninvasive, deep-penetrating modality capable of modulating brain circuits with millimeter-sized spatial precision. This review explores the synergistic integration of ultrasound with engineered nanosystems to achieve multimodal neuromodulation such as electrical, mechanical, optical, and chemical via acoustic energy. We describe how nanoscale materials can transduce ultrasound into localized bioelectric signals, mechanical stress, light emission, or controlled drug release. These interactions enable precise, on-demand stimulation or inhibition of neuronal activity, including in deep brain regions. Experimental studies have demonstrated neuromodulatory effects across a variety of models, with applications ranging from optogenetics and drug delivery to behavioral modulation in rodents and primates. The review concludes with a critical assessment of the translational challenges such as nanoparticle delivery, biocompatibility, long-term clearance, and safety thresholds for human use while outlining promising strategies like cell-based delivery, biodegradable materials, and closed-loop control systems. These innovations highlight the potential of ultrasound-assisted nanosystems as transformative tools for precise neuromodulation in both experimental neuroscience and clinical applications.