As olfactory receptor axons grow from the peripheral to the central nervous system (CNS) aided by olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), the transplantation of OECs has been suggested as a plausible therapy for spinal cord lesions. The problem with this hypothesis is that OECs do not represent a single homogeneous entity, but, instead, a functionally heterogeneous population that exhibits a variety of responses, including adhesion and repulsion during cell-matrix interactions. Some studies report that the migratory properties of OECs are compromised by inhibitory molecules and potentiated by chemical gradients. In this paper, we report a system based on modified OECs carrying magnetic nanoparticles as a proof of concept experiment enabling specific studies aimed at exploring the potential of OECs in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. Our studies have confirmed that magnetized OECs (i) survive well without exhibiting stress-associated cellular responses; (ii) in vitro, their migration can be modulated by magnetic fields; and (iii) their transplantation in organotypic slices of spinal cord and peripheral nerve showed positive integration in the model. Altogether, these findings indicate the therapeutic potential of magnetized OECs for CNS injuries.

The polarization and antenna properties of carbon nanotubes were recognized from a theoretical standpoint more than 2 decades ago. Subsequently, the antenna-length effect was demonstrated on arrays of vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and antennas fabricated from networks of MWCNTs were shown to resonate on exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range. A host of applications in optoelectronics of considerable commercial significance have been suggested. Our group was the first to propose application of this property of MWCNTs to the biomedical field. In the present paper we predict and provide a proof of concept that MWCNTs are able to function as effective microwave antennas and that the antenna effect can be exploited to transfer genetic material within living bacteria exemplified by experimental data collected on E. coli bacteria.