biostudies-literatureLin ZSwiss National Science FoundationEuropean Research Council1071-1078https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12373504biostudies-literatureUnknown20(8)Communication between wireless field receivers and biological sensors remains a key constraint in the development of wireless electronic devices for minimally invasive medical monitoring and biomedical applications involving gene and cell therapies. Here we describe a nanoparticle-cell interface that enables electromagnetic programming of wireless expression regulation (EMPOWER) of transgenes via the generation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) at a biosafe level. Multiferroic nanoparticles coated with chitosan to improve biocompatibility generate ROS in the cytoplasm of cells in response to a low-frequency (1-kHz) magnetic field. Overexpressed ROS-responsive KEAP1/NRF2 biosensors detect the generated ROS which is rewired to synthetic ROS-responsive promoters to drive transgene expression. In a proof-of-concept study, subcutaneously implanted alginate-microencapsulated cells stably expressing an EMPOWER-controlled insulin expression system normalized blood-glucose levels in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes in response to a weak magnetic field.Nature nanotechnologyElectromagnetic wireless remote control of mammalian transgene expression.PMC12373504ElectroGene 785800785800NCCR Molecular Systems EngineeringBuchmann PFussenegger MHuang JGuha Ray PLin ZfalseElectromagnetic wireless remote control of mammalian transgene expression.Communication between wireless field receivers and biological sensors remains a key constraint in the development of wireless electronic devices for minimally invasive medical monitoring and biomedical applications involving gene and cell therapies. Here we describe a nanoparticle-cell interface that enables electromagnetic programming of wireless expression regulation (EMPOWER) of transgenes via the generation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) at a biosafe level. Multiferroic nanoparticles coated with chitosan to improve biocompatibility generate ROS in the cytoplasm of cells in response to a low-frequency (1-kHz) magnetic field. Overexpressed ROS-responsive KEAP1/NRF2 biosensors detect the generated ROS which is rewired to synthetic ROS-responsive promoters to drive transgene expression. In a proof-of-concept study, subcutaneously implanted alginate-microencapsulated cells stably expressing an EMPOWER-controlled insulin expression system normalized blood-glucose levels in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes in response to a weak magnetic field.2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Aug2026-05-08T06:54:13.1Z2026-04-07T23:31:39.827ZS-EPMC123735044032521010.1038/s41565-025-01929-w