Mag-Neurobot

History

2023: Product Announcement

At the end of March 2023, South Korean scientists from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) announced the development of a microrobot capable of connecting directly to the neural networks of the hippocampus, part of the limbic system of the brain.

During the study, a team of specialists first attached iron oxide nanoparticles to the main nerve cells of the hippocampus of a laboratory mouse. This allowed the formation of a spherical-shaped neurobot Mag-Neurobot. External magnetic fields are used to control such a robot. Safety is confirmed by a biocompatibility test, which showed that magnetism of Mag-Neurobot does not affect the growth of nerve cells.

Immunofluorescence analysis showed that microrobot cells and hippocampal tissue cells linked structurally through axons

Then the scientists placed the microrobot in the tissue of the hippocampus of the mouse. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that microrobot cells and hippocampal tissue cells linked structurally through axons. A microelectrode matrix was used to stimulate the nerve cells of the microrobot. This allowed us to confirm that it exhibits typical electrophysiological characteristics. In addition, it was found that the microrobot can deliver nerve cells and form artificial neural networks.

The researchers showed the possibility of analyzing structurally and functionally related neural networks using a microrobot in an artificial environment. The results of the work are expected to be applied in various fields, including cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

We have proven that the microrobot and nerve tissues of the mouse brain can be functionally linked by an electrophysiological approach. The technology is expected to be used for targeted treatment of neurological disorders and cell therapy, "said Hongsoo Choi, a professor at DGIST.[1]

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