Extensive research suggests that the direct application of force is per se a powerful inducer of axon growth. Recently, we proposed a novel approach, namely “nano-pulling”, to mechanically manipulate axons loaded  with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) under the effect of external magnetic fields. The generated force vector can be used in mature neurons for inducing axon growth and synaptic maturation, in neural tissue for inducing axon regeneration and in neural precursor cells for promoting neural differentiation and  inducing neuronal maturation. We elucidated the local mechanisms of signal mechanotransduction in response to active forces generated through magnetic nano-pulling. We demonstrated that the mechanical force induces a stabilization of axonal microtubules. The increase in microtubule assembly results in the increase in axonal transport and the activation of local translation. 

Recently, we started a preclinical study to test the safety and efficacy of nano-pulling for the treatment of spinal cord injury.