Observations of cellular responses to diamagnetic forces acting on cell components

Abstract

The magnetooptical measurements of the properties of living cells have a potentially large impact on cellular engineering and biotechnology because the noninvasive approach to applying magnetic fields on cells enables the detection of the dynamics of intracellular components under natural conditions. In this study, we examine a magnetooptical response in smooth muscle cells exposed to a vertical magnetic field of 5 T. The time course of the linearly polarized light transmittance of cells showed both a gradual decrease and fluctuations during exposure at 5 T. Real-time observations of smooth muscle cells and giant rodlike vesicles revealed that magnetic fields cause morphological changes in the cells and vesicles. In addition, results of the optical transmittance measurement of a fish scale indicate that cellular or tissue components are diamagnetically reoriented by magnetic fields.

Deformation of cellular components of bone forming cells when exposed to a magnetic field

“…In addition to the microtubules, the cell membrane, composed of a lipid bilayer, could assist the deformation. 6 In addition, a new finding of this study is the observation of round green objects in the cells. A model for this finding is outlined in FIG.…”

“…In this study, the images of cells exposed to a magnetic field (5 T) showed numerous components that were round in shape, while previously we were only able to observe whole cell deformation. 6 We have previously reported the possibility of diamagnetic orientation of intracellular cytoskeletons, such as microtubules. 6 We propose that microtubule fibers (a component of the cytoskeleton), magnetically aligned parallel to the applied 5 T magnetic field (FIG.…”

“…6 We have previously reported the possibility of diamagnetic orientation of intracellular cytoskeletons, such as microtubules. 6 We propose that microtubule fibers (a component of the cytoskeleton), magnetically aligned parallel to the applied 5 T magnetic field (FIG. 5(a) and (b)).…”

“…5 Previous studies have also shown that the magnetic orientation of macromolecules 6-9 is a promising tool for the non-invasive micro-manipulation or micro/nano-actuation of sensitive living cells. 10 We have demonstrated the use of magnetic fields with biological cells to orient adherent cells, [6][7][8] perform cytoskeletal dynamics measurements, 9 and induce the deformation of cellular outline. 11 Other candidates for efficient magnetic manipulation are cell membranes, microtubules, [12][13][14] actin fibers, and extracellular matrix such as collagen.…”