Nanohybrids based on amphiphilic B-cyclodextrin for magnetic delivery of a morphogen in microfluidic environments

In tissue engineering, the spatio-temporal regulation of morphogens release is typically achieved using microfluidic devices [1]. Micro- and nanoparticles have been also experienced to deliver morphogens amounts directly onto stem cell cultures, but despite the efficacy of the method it can not offer precise control in the administration [2]. Here a supramolecular nanocarrier (SPION@SC6OH) composed of amphiphilic -cyclodextrin (SC6OH) assemblies entangling superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) is presented and extensively characterized. We also demonstrate that the Retinoic acid (RA), a well-known differentiating agent for the neuronal cell line, loaded in the nanocarrier can be steered through microfluidic channels by external magnetic fields generated by a device based on actuated permanent magnets. This novel material can reliably deliver RA to in-vitro cell cultures and there induce differentiation of SH-5YSY cells into viable neurons having a minimum need of elaborated chip designs or advance pump/switch components. This technology enables the spatial- and temporal-controlled delivery of morphogens and could be integrated in microfluidic platforms for culture of patient-derived organoids in personalized medicine protocols [3].