Work

Gradient-magnetized conductive nerve conduits enable enhanced wireless electrical stimulation for peripheral nerve regeneration

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration without implanted power sources remains a major clinical challenge due to the difficulty of delivering sustained, localized bioelectrical stimulation in a minimally invasive manner. Herein, we report a gradient-magnetized conductive nerve conduit (G-MNC) with layered polycaprolactone (PCL) architecture and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles concentrated at both ends. Under an alternating magnetic field from a Helmholtz coil, the gradient magnetic configuration enhances electromagnetic induction and establishes a homogeneous stimulation environment. Compared with a uniformly magnetized conduit (U-MNC), the G-MNC generates 22.5% higher induced current and a stable endogenous electric field gradient along the conduit axis. In a rat sciatic nerve defect model, the G-MNC significantly accelerated peripheral nerve regeneration. At 12 weeks post-implantation, it exhibited a 15.3% increase in myelinated axon area fraction (70.72 ± 3.20%) and an 11.1% increase in muscle fiber diameter (72.36 μm) versus U-MNC group. Mechanistically, the gradient electromagnetic microenvironment promotes directional Schwann cell migration and axonal maturation, with 13.2% upregulation of β-tubulin expression, leading to enhanced muscle reinnervation and improved functional recovery. Overall, gradient magnetization coupled with electromagnetic superposition enables spatiotemporally homogeneous neuromodulation, offering a promising strategy for wireless bioelectronic peripheral nerve repair and the clinical translation of remotely activated regenerative therapies.

Source: Chemical Engineering Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2026.181409