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[Preprint]. 2026 Mar 14:2026.03.11.711216. [Version 1] doi: 10.64898/2026.03.11.711216

Music-Inspired Acoustic-Piezoelectric Stimulation Accelerates Extracellular Vesicle Production and Programs Therapeutic Function

James Johnston, Erin Boyce, Tiago Thomaz Migliati Zanon, Hyunsu Jeon, Courtney Khong, Yun Young Choi, Nosang V Myung, Martin Nunez, Mae-Lin Pinkstaff, Yichun Wang
PMCID: PMC13060862  PMID: 41959365

Abstract

Macrophage small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) carry phenotype-linked cargo and bioactivity for immunomodulation and regeneration, but therapeutic translation is limited by low secretion and poor control of function. We introduce a music-activated piezoelectric nanofiber substrate (PES) that converted audible sound into programmable electrical stimulation to enhance sEV biogenesis while tuning macrophage polarization. Adjusting acoustic parameters increased sEV yield, while musically inspired “assemblies” biased macrophage phenotypes: dissonant, low-frequency stimuli promoted M1-like inflammation, whereas consonant, higher-frequency stimuli favored M2-like, regenerative states. These shifts produced distinct sEV cargo and bioactivities. We rationally designed customized music stimulus that maximized both vesicle production and M2 bias, yielding sEVs exhibited regeneration potentials. This work establishes a programmable acoustic–piezoelectric strategy to scale macrophage sEV production while tailoring their therapeutic potency.

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