Magnetically Guided Flexible Bioelectronic Probe for Single-Cell Recordings in Multi-Scale Biosystems.

Abstract

Bioelectronic systems enable label-free monitoring and modulation of cellular activity, providing essential tools for neuroscience and biomedical applications. Nevertheless, many current interfaces are structurally static and lack active positioning capabilities, limiting their adaptability in spatially complex environments. Here, Mag-N-Probe (Magnetically guided Neural-interfacing Probe), a flexible and magnetically actuated bioelectronic system is introduced that enables remote, real-time motion control with sub-micrometer precision and centimeter-scale navigation. The system incorporates ferromagnetic nanoparticles within a pliable mesh framework and utilizes both torque- and gradient force-driven actuation for controlled navigation in confined spaces. This capability permits the repeated targeting of individual neurons for compartment-specific electrophysiological recordings and conformal integration with brain organoids for reliable, multi-channel signal acquisition. By combining magnetic actuation with flexible bioelectronics, Mag-N-Probe provides a versatile and scalable solution for adaptive neural interfacing, applicable to both single-cell studies and 3D tissue environments, thus supporting a wide range of in vitro studies and promising prospects for minimally invasive in vivo applications.