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May 19 2025
3In a groundbreaking development in biomedical technology, researchers at ETH Zurich have introduced a wireless system for regulating gene expression in mammals using a combination of nanoparticles and electromagnetic fields. This innovative platform, named Electromagnetic Programming of the Wireless Expression Regulation (EMPOWER), offers a non-invasive method to activate therapeutic genes with high precision, potentially transforming the management of chronic illnesses.
Published recently in Nature Nanotechnology, the study outlines a technique that interfaces engineered cells with multiferroic nanoparticles coated in a biocompatible polymer called chitosan. These nanoparticles respond to low-frequency magnetic fields by generating controlled levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the cell cytoplasm. ROS are natural chemical signals in cells that the research team successfully leveraged to trigger gene expression.
“Our study tackles the longstanding challenge in medicine—how to control gene expression precisely and safely without invasive procedures,” said Martin Fussenegger, senior author of the study. “We chose magnetic fields because they can penetrate tissues effectively and safely, eliminating the need for direct contact or surgical intervention.”
The engineered cells contain a genetic circuit that is responsive to ROS, specifically activating the KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway. When ROS levels rise due to electromagnetic stimulation, NRF2 proteins become active, ultimately switching on the production of therapeutic proteins such as insulin.
This approach enables tight spatial and temporal control over gene expression, offering a level of precision and bio-compatibility not previously achieved. Notably, the method only requires a weak electromagnetic field—operating at 1 kHz and 21 millitesla (mT)—applied for a brief duration of just three minutes daily.
To test the real-world potential of EMPOWER, the team conducted experiments on diabetic mice. The results were remarkable: brief daily exposure to the magnetic field successfully regulated insulin production and maintained normal blood glucose levels throughout the study period. “We’ve shown for the first time that wireless electromagnetic signals can directly regulate natural gene expression in mammals through intracellular nanoparticles,” Fussenegger explained.
Unlike prior approaches that often involved higher dosages of nanoparticles or stronger stimulation, the ETH Zurich method minimizes off-target effects and reduces biological stress, thanks to its mild stimulation parameters and low material input.
The nanoparticles are introduced directly into the cytoplasm—the fluid surrounding a cell’s nucleus—where they interact seamlessly with cellular machinery. According to Fussenegger, the system preserves the structural integrity of the engineered cells, allowing them to function collaboratively without disruption.
This wireless, non-invasive approach has broad implications for chronic disease management. By enabling remote, adjustable control over therapeutic protein production, it could eliminate the need for frequent drug injections, surgical implants, or systemic medications.
Looking ahead, the ETH Zurich team plans to refine the technology further. Upcoming research will focus on increasing the system’s sensitivity and biocompatibility, as well as developing more compact and user-friendly electromagnetic stimulation devices suitable for clinical environments.
“We're expanding the application of this platform beyond diabetes,” Fussenegger added. “Our future efforts will explore uses in oncology, neurology, and tissue regeneration, as well as adapting alternative genetic circuits for other chronic conditions. Our ultimate goal is to bring this technology to the stage of preclinical and clinical evaluation.”
This breakthrough represents a significant leap forward in synthetic biology, offering a glimpse into a future where diseases are treated wirelessly, with unparalleled precision and minimal discomfort for patients.
Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-05-nanoparticle-cell-interface-enables-electromagnetic.html
This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.
