Our lab integrates a wide array of disciplines, including bioengineering, cell biology and materials science, towards development of peripheral organs modulation approaches. Our goal is to advance the fundamental understanding and therapeutic approaches for treating organ dysfunction and connecting it to the nervous system. We develop novel clinically translatable nanomaterials and nanocomposites for spatially and temporally precise on-demand control on organ function

Our Research:

Magnetothermal Stimulation
Magnetic nanoparticles dissipate heat when exposed to weak alternating magnetic fields. In our research we exploit this hear for triggering of heat sensitive ion channels and triggering calcium-dependent cell signaling.
Remote control on hormone release
Imbalance of the adrenal gland stress hormones cortisol and (nor)epinephrine have been correlated with stress-related mental conditions such as depression and post trauma stress disorder (PTSD). We developed an approach to directly trigger hormone release from the adrenal glands via the activation of heat sensitive ion channels mediated by the magneto-thermal approach. Adrenal hormones influence and are influenced by multiple physiological systems including communication with the brain. We are broadening the novel developed magnetothermal approach to explore similar modalities of the adrenal gland and the stress hormones role in neurological disorders.
Nanomaterials design
We work at the interface of materials science and cell biology to design and synthesize magnetic nanomaterials and composites as transducers for controlling cell functionalities. Combining knowledge from tissue engineering approaches and nanomaterials synthesis we explore novel biocompatible compositions. We use materials characterization approaches to study the materials properties and adjust them to our organ modulation approaches. We focous on the magnetization properties of magnetic nanoparticles, their biocompatibility and surface functionalization to be used in biological applications to trigger cell function.
Nerve regeneration
Peripheral nerve injury are common and the available treatments include surgical interventions that cannot achieve complete regeneration, in part due to slow rate of axonal growth. Those injuries involve serious health implications that are lifelong and are burden on the public health and economy. We design methods to accelerate axonal growth to improve regeneration after nerve injury, using remote control approach. To this end we are interested in combining materials design and the triggering of ion channels endogenously expressed in the peripheral nervous system, to control the axonal growth process. We are exploring mechanistic approaches to trigger axonal growth which are also clinically translatable.

For more information:
website: https://rosenfeld-lab.com/
Email Address: dekelr@tauex.tau.ac.il