Self-Powered Programming of Fibroblasts into Neurons via a Scalable Magnetoelastic Generator Array

Developing scalable electrical stimulating platforms for cell and tissue engineering applications is limited by external power source dependency, wetting resistance, microscale size requirements, and suitable flexibility. Here, a versatile and scalable platform is developed to enable tunable electrical stimulation for biological applications by harnessing the giant magnetoelastic effect in soft systems, converting gentle air pressure (100-400 kPa) to yield a current of up to 10.5 mA and a voltage of 9.5 mV. The platform can be easily manufactured and scaled up for integration in multiwell magnetoelastic plates via 3D printing. The authors demonstrate that the electrical stimulation generated by this platform enhances the conversion of fibroblasts into neurons up to 2-fold (104%) and subsequent neuronal maturation up to 3-fold (251%). This easily configurable electrical stimulation device has broad applications in high throughput organ-on-a-chip systems, and paves the way for future development of neural engineering, including cellular therapy via implantable self-powered electrical stimulation devices.

Automated summary

Developing scalable electrical stimulating platforms for cell and tissue engineering applications is challenging due to external power source dependency and other technical requirements. In this study, a versatile platform is developed that utilizes the giant magnetoelastic effect in soft systems to convert gentle air pressure into electrical stimulation. The authors demonstrate that this platform enhances the conversion of fibroblasts into neurons and subsequent neuronal maturation. This device has broad applications in organ-on-a-chip systems and neural engineering.