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3D‐Printed Soft Magnetoelectric Microswimmers for Delivery and Differentiation of Neuron‐Like Cells
Author(s) -
Dong Mei,
Wang Xiaopu,
Chen XiangZhong,
Mushtaq Fajer,
Deng Siyu,
Zhu Caihong,
Torlakcik Harun,
Terzopoulou Anastasia,
Qin XiaoHua,
Xiao Xuanzhong,
PuigmartíLuis Josep,
Choi Hongsoo,
Pêgo Ana Paula,
Shen QunDong,
Nelson Bradley J.,
Pané Salvador
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201910323
Subject(s) - materials science , nanotechnology , gelatin , drug delivery , cell , biomedical engineering , neuroscience , medicine , biology , biochemistry , genetics
Neurodegenerative diseases generally result in irreversible neuronal damage and neuronal death. Cell therapy shows promise as a potential treatment for these diseases. However, the therapeutic targeted delivery of these cells and the in situ provision of a suitable microenvironment for their differentiation into functional neuronal networks remain challenging. A highly integrated multifunctional soft helical microswimmer featuring targeted neuronal cell delivery, on‐demand localized wireless neuronal electrostimulation, and post‐delivery enzymatic degradation is introduced. The helical soft body of the microswimmer is fabricated by two‐photon lithography of the photocurable gelatin–methacryloyl (GelMA)‐based hydrogel. The helical body is then impregnated with composite multiferroic nanoparticles displaying magnetoelectric features (MENPs). While the soft GelMA hydrogel chassis supports the cell growth, and is degraded by enzymes secreted by cells, the MENPs allow for the magnetic transportation of the bioactive chassis, and act as magnetically mediated electrostimulators of neuron‐like cells. The unique combination of the materials makes these microswimmers highly integrated devices that fulfill several requirements for their future translation to clinical applications, such as cargo delivery, cell stimulation, and biodegradability. The authors envision that these devices will inspire new avenues for targeted cell therapies for traumatic injuries and diseases in the central nervous system.