Static Magnetic Stimulation and Magnetic Microwires Synergistically Enhance and Guide Neurite Outgrowth

Axonal growth is heavily influenced by topography and biophysical stimuli including magnetic and electrical fields. Despite extensive investigation, the degree of influence and the underlying genetic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, a novel approach to guide neurite growth is undertaken using an innovative ferromagnetic composite material - glass-coated magnetic microwire - to furnish a synergistic combination of magnetic and topographical cues. Whole rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are cultured under five different conditions: control, static magnetic field, magnetic microwire, static magnetic field + glass fiber, and static magnetic field + magnetic microwire. DRG outgrowth responses under each condition, including total neurite outgrowth and directionality, are compared. The combination of both magnetic stimulation and topography significantly increases total neurite outgrowth compared to the controls. The combination of magnetic stimulation and magnetic microwire lead to a strong directional bias of growth along the microwire, double what is observed with the glass fiber. Next generation RNA sequencing of DRG exposed to static magnetic field + magnetic microwire reveals the downregulation of genes relating to the immune response, interleukin signaling, and signal transduction. These results set the stage for contemplating future biophysical stimulation for axonal guidance and improved understanding of material-tissue interactions.