Remote control of cell behaviour through an external magnetic field as tool for nanomedicine applications

The development of a new way for in vitro threedimensional (3D) cell culture is critical for medicine to well understand cell/tissue behavior. Despite its importance, it is not easy to achieve 3D cell culture because the superficial seeding of cells on the surface of scaffolds causes tissue necrosis in the central part of scaffolds. To solve this issue, we explored an alternative cell seeding procedures based on magnetized cell guiding. Taking advantage of the novel superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), obtained by doping hydroxyapatite (HA) with Fe ions in ideal condition aimed at limiting the formation of poorly tolerated magnetic secondary phase (i.e. Fe3 O4), we magnetized cells without affect cell behavior. Moreover applying a low external magnetic field, we were able to remote control cell migration demonstrating that magnetic cells were obtained and move them in a 3D construct. This study showed the great potential of cell remote control by external magnetic field as tool for medicine applications. Copyright © 2013 by ASME.