Self-rectifying magnetoelectric device for remote neural regeneration and function restoration.

University reported a magnetoelectric nonlinear metamaterial (MNM) for neural signal transmission and nerve function restoration. 1 Nonlinear charge transport between the semiconductor layers enabled this magnetoelectric (ME) metamaterial to have a nonlinear ME coupling coefficient, which allowed for self-rectification (Figure 1).This material could generate a steady bias voltage with time-averaged voltage biases larger than 2 V, enabling the generation of arbitrary pulse sequences when subjected to an alternating magnetic field.Researchers demonstrated that MNM could effectively cover the sciatic nerve gap and allow nerve impulses to travel in less than 5 ms to target distal muscle groups.This resulted in a rapid sensorimotor response in rats under anaesthesia.It is widely accepted that electrical stimulation is vital for nerve regeneration.Thus, this type of device can shed light on novel therapies for nerve injuries.