ERA NanoSci - Magnetic nanoparticles for nerve regeneration

Bioengineering research is exploring molecular and cell therapies alternative to surgical nerve grafting for thetreatment of severe peripheral nerve injuries. However, to date there has been no progress of undoubtedclinical benefit. The recent advances in nanoscience may provide new therapeutic possibilities asalternatives/supplements to established surgical techniques. Specifically, the MARVENE project is concernedwith the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as functional nano-objects to enhance the nerve regenerationand provide guidance for the regenerating axons. MNPs could open the frontiers for new therapies based on theexploitation of the mechanical forces acting on MNP-bound to neurons to promote axonal elongation/growth.Furthermore, the realization of MNPs functionalised with neurotrophic factors offer distinct possibilities for novelmolecular therapy and when bound to mesenchymal stem cells, MNPs may form the basis for more effective celltherapy.