Magnetoelectric core-shell nanorods for peripheral nerve stimulation: a computational study

This study implements an in-silico approach to investigate the influence of the random distribution of core-shell nanorod-shaped magnetoelectric nanoparticles (NRs) on their stimulating ability. The influence on the obtained electric field distribution of the presence of a single NR and of multiple NRs randomly placed with a concentration of 10% weight/volume were quantified. The results were analyzed in terms of electrical distribution in the nerve tissue and the corresponding neural response. Overall, our results demonstrate the strong impact of the NRs distribution on the electrical quantities, in terms of variability of both the electric field and the electric potential perceived in the tissue and along the fiber length. In addition, our results suggest that the 10% weight/volume is very likely to evoke an action potential, suggesting that with proper functionalization and displacement optimization of the NRs, the nanoparticles can effectively stimulate the neural activity. Our research provides quantitative support for the use of NRs in peripheral nerve tissue stimulation with a view to their integration as neural interfaces.