Multichannel power electronics and magnetic nanoparticles for selective thermal magnetogenetics

Abstract

Abstract Objective. We present a combination of a power electronics system and magnetic nanoparticles that enable frequency-multiplexed magnetothermal-neurostimulation with rapid channel switching between three independent channels spanning a wide frequency range. Approach. The electronics system generates alternating magnetic field spanning 50 kHz to 5 MHz in the same coil by combining silicon (Si) and gallium-nitride (GaN) transistors to resolve the high spread of coil impedance and current required throughout the wide bandwidth. The system drives a liquid-cooled field coil via capacitor banks, forming three series resonance channels which are multiplexed using high-voltage contactors. We characterized the system by the output channels’ frequencies, field strength, and switching time, as well as the system’s overall operation stability. Using different frequency–amplitude combinations of the magnetic field to target specific magnetic nanoparticles with different coercivity, we demonstrate actuation of iron oxide nanoparticles in all three channels, including a novel nanoparticle composition responding to magnetic fields in the megahertz range. Main results. The system achieved the desired target field strengths for three frequency channels, with switching speed between channels on the order of milliseconds. Specific absorption rate measurements and infrared thermal imaging performed with three types of magnetic nanoparticles demonstrated selective heating and validated the system’s intended use. Significance. The system uses a hybrid of Si and GaN transistors in bridge configuration instead of conventional amplifier circuit concepts to drive the magnetic field coil and contactors for fast switching between different capacitor banks. Series-resonance circuits ensure a high output quality while keeping the system efficient. This approach could significantly improve the speed and flexibility of frequency-multiplexed nanoparticle actuation, such as magnetogenetic neurostimulation, and thus provide the technical means for selective stimulation below the magnetic field’s fundamental spatial focality limits.