Magnetized Gel Reduces Pain

Aug-08-18 A magnetized gel that uses force to make changes in cells could offer a new way to manage chronic pain.

The team from UCLA developed the gel by embedding microscopic magnet particles in a biocompatible, gel-like polymer. They then grew a primary neural cell in the gel and manipulated the magnetic particles to create a pulling force. The physical force caused an increase in calcium ions in the neurons, and steadily increasing the force over time caused the neurons to adapt to the simulation by reducing their pain signals.

According to Dino Di Carlo, UCLA professor of bioengineering, “However, recent breakthroughs in the control of forces at small scales have opened up a new treatment idea — using physical force to kick-start helpful changes inside cells. There’s a long way to go, but this early work shows this path toward so-called ‘mechanoceuticals’ is a promising one.”

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[CO.UK]
[NEWSROOM.UCLA.EDU]

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