Remote control for cells: new wireless nanoswitches control how cells sense force

June 9, 2026

What if scientists could remotely control how cells respond to physical forces?

Every day, our cells constantly sense and react to mechanical stimuli such as pressure, stretching, or movement – a process known as mechanotransduction. This ability plays a fundamental role in how tissues develop, heal, and function. But understanding exactly how cells convert these physical signals into biological responses remains a major scientific challenge.

Domingues research group at INL have developed wireless “nanoswitches” capable of remotely activating PIEZO1, a mechanosensitive receptor that allows cells to sense physical forces such as pressure or stretch. The work, published in the journal Bioactive Materials, opens new possibilities for exploring future therapeutic strategies for mechanosensitive tissues, such as bones, ligaments, and blood vessels.

The study was ran by INL researchers Simão Teixeira, Brent Bijonowski, Mariana Carvalho, Jana Nieder and Rui Domingues, in collaboration with University of Minho, University of Santiago de Compostela, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, and University of Porto.

The researchers developed tailor-made magnetic nanoparticles called PIEZO1-targeting NanoSwitches (PINS). These PINS were designed to recognise specific regions of the PIEZO1 receptor with very high affinity, functioning similarly to synthetic antibodies. By applying magnetic fields, the team was able to remotely actuate PIEZO1 and trigger intracellular signalling responses without direct physical contact.

Importantly, the team showed that activating different regions of PIEZO1 leads to different responses inside the cell. This suggests that the receptor does not act in a single way, and it may trigger distinct functions depending on the region being targeted. For example, in mesenchymal stem cells, activating one region encouraged the cells to support tissue formation, while activating another made them behave in a more active and inflammatory way.

Simão Teixeira, first author of the research study, concludes “Beyond enabling more precise studies of PIEZO1 mechanobiology, these wireless nanoswitches may also open new possibilities for future therapies. Mechanosensitive tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone could one day benefit from technologies that can remotely influence how cells behave.”

INL’s contribution to this work was funded by the ERC-funded project FORTIFy and the FCT-funded project Wi-Pi.