Engineered Magnetic Nanocomposites to Modulate Cellular Function

Abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have various applications in biomedicine, including imaging, drug delivery and release, genetic modification, cell guidance, and patterning. By combining MNPs with polymers, magnetic nanocomposites (MNCs) with diverse morphologies (core–shell particles, matrix‐dispersed particles, microspheres, etc.) can be generated. These MNCs retain the ability of MNPs to be controlled remotely using external magnetic fields. While the effects of these biomaterials on the cell biology are still poorly understood, such information can help the biophysical modulation of various cellular functions, including proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation. After recalling the basic properties of MNPs and polymers, and describing their coassembly into nanocomposites, this review focuses on how polymeric MNCs can be used in several ways to affect cell behavior. A special emphasis is given to 3D cell culture models and transplantable grafts, which are used for regenerative medicine, underlining the impact of MNCs in regulating stem cell differentiation and engineering living tissues. Recent advances in the use of MNCs for tissue regeneration are critically discussed, particularly with regard to their prospective involvement in human therapy and in the construction of advanced functional materials such as magnetically operated biomedical robots.

Micro/Nanosystems for Magnetic Targeted Delivery of Bioagents

“…This aspect is often reported for IONPs but not unique to them, as many other kinds of nanomaterials can provide topographical cues that modulate cell behavior [206][207][208][209]. However, using MNPs makes it possible to have remote control over cellular processes [131]. The dispersed MNPs entrapped in the scaffold matrix can be stimulated by a static or alternated external magnetic field, and the effects that such stimulation has on the cells can be different [131,138,210,211].…”

“…Magnetic systems at both nano-and micro-scale can be used to create composite matrices with various applications [131][132][133][134]. Magnetic nano-and micromaterials are typically added to polymeric hydrogels or scaffolds to generate multifunctional materials that combine the properties of the polymers and the magnetic materials.…”

“…Due to the high integrability of nanomaterials with macromolecular structures like polymers, nanocomposites display structural homogeneity, monophasic mechanical behavior, and improved physico-chemical properties that let nanocomposites emerge in biomedical applications, such as reinforcement of engineered tissue grafts [131,134,137,138]. In particular, the magnetic responsiveness renders magnetic nanocomposites particularly attractive to realize controllable cell culture models and improve cell functionality within biological tissue artifacts [138].…”

Microfluidic Tissue Engineering and Bio‐Actuation

“…In general, magnetic forces and materials are promising for controlling tissue formation, as they have a role in modulating cell function and can serve to control cell patterning for tissue engineering in vitro. [ 200 ] In bio‐actuators, magnetic control over actuation is executed by externally applying magnetic fields that trigger a response from magnetically‐responsive materials, such as particles. The physical stress induced by magnetized materials to cells and biomaterials within tissues results in biological effects, including processes depending on mechanotransduction molecular pathways.…”

“…The physical stress induced by magnetized materials to cells and biomaterials within tissues results in biological effects, including processes depending on mechanotransduction molecular pathways. [ 200 ] The magnetic particles and muscle tissue engineering combine well due to a few key factors. On the one hand, muscle tissue formation requires cell alignment and reacts well to physical inputs that confer a direction of force.…”