Electromechanical Nanogenerator–Cell Interaction Modulates Cell Activity. Issue 24 (24th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murillo, Gonzalo; Blanquer, Andreu; Vargas‐Estevez, Carolina; Barrios, Lleonard; Ibáñez, Elena; Nogués, Carme; Esteve, Jaume
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 29:Issue 24(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-04-24
• Subjects: bioelectronics -- cell activity modulation -- electrical stimulation -- nanogenerators -- piezoelectronics; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201605048
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract : Noninvasive methods for in situ electrical stimulation of human cells open new frontiers to future bioelectronic therapies, where controlled electrical impulses could replace the use of chemical drugs for disease treatment. Here, this study demonstrates that the interaction of living cells with piezoelectric nanogenerators (NGs) induces a local electric field that self‐stimulates and modulates their cell activity, without applying an additional chemical or physical external stimulation. When cells are cultured on top of the NGs, based on 2D ZnO nanosheets, the electromechanical NG–cell interactions stimulate the motility of macrophages and trigger the opening of ion channels present in the plasma membrane of osteoblast‐like cells (Saos‐2) inducing intracellular calcium transients. In addition, excellent cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation are validated. This in situ cell‐scale electrical stimulation of osteoblast‐like cells can be extrapolated to other excitable cells such as neurons or muscle cells, paving the way for future bioelectronic medicines based on cell‐targeted electrical impulses. Abstract : The electromechanical interaction of human cells with piezoelectric nanogenerators (NGs) stimulates the motility of macrophages and triggers the opening of ion channels present in the plasma membrane of osteoblast‐like cells inducing intracellular calcium transients. In addition, the cells cultured on top of the NGs, based on a network of 2D ZnO nanosheets, show excellent viability, proliferation, and differentiation.