Magnetoelectric Nanoparticle‐Based Wireless Brain–Computer Interface: Underlying Physics and Projected Technology Pathway

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Authors: Elric Zhang, Max Shotbolt, Mostafa Abdel‐Mottaleb, Shawnus Chen, Victoria André, Jieyuan Tian, Jonathan Shulgach, Max Murphy, Brian R. Noga, P. Liang, Darcy M. Griffin, Douglas Weber
+3 more Marta Pardo, Salvador Pané, Sakhrat Khizroev
Cited by: 1
References: 69

Abstract

Magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) provide a fully wireless and minutely invasive platform for bidirectional brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) by locally transducing magnetic fields into electric fields, and vice versa. The achievable spatial and temporal resolutions are governed by the control of magnetic field energy at the nanoparticle level. Since the introduction of the MENP concept a decade and a half ago, independent studies have demonstrated MENP-mediated neural activation in vitro and in vivo, establishing a strong proof of concept for wireless neuromodulation. In contrast, MENP-based neural recording remains largely theoretical, with existing models indicating that in vivo implementation is feasible. However, progress toward scalable and reliable MENP-based BCIs is hindered by an incomplete understanding of the nonlinear physics governing MENP operation and nanoparticle-cell interactions. This study addresses this gap by developing a comprehensive theoretical framework that explicitly incorporates nonlinear effects and correlates neuromodulation predictions with available experimental data. The analysis identifies nanoparticle properties and magnetic field amplitude and frequency as key performance determinants. Properly engineered MENPs are predicted to enable deepbrain and cortical neuromodulation and recording with submillimeter spatial resolution and millisecondscale temporal precision, offering a pathway toward clinically viable BCIs without implanted electrodes or genetic modification.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Neuroscience and Neural Engineering Wireless Power Transfer Systems Molecular Communication and Nanonetworks

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Science
Publisher
Wiley
Pages
e24329–e24329
Publication date
28 March 2026
Language
EN