Open AccessContactless Nanoparticle-Based Guiding of Cells by Controllable Magnetic Fields
Author(s) -
Peter Blümler,
Ralf P. Friedrich,
Jorge C. Pereira,
Olga Baun,
Christoph Alexiou,
Volker Mailänder
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nanotechnology, science and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.051
H-Index - 28
ISSN - 1177-8903
DOI - 10.2147/nsa.s298003
Subject(s) - magnet , nanotechnology , magnetic nanoparticles , nanoparticle , materials science , magnetic levitation , computer science , physics , mechanical engineering , engineering
Controlled and contactless movements of magnetic nanoparticles are crucial for fundamental biotechnological and clinical research (eg, cell manipulation and sorting, hyperthermia, and magnetic drug targeting). However, the key technological question, how to generate suitable magnetic fields on various length scales (µm-m), is still unsolved. Here, we present a system of permanent magnets which allows for steering of iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) on arbitrary trajectories observable by microscopy. The movement of the particles is simply controlled by an almost force-free rotation of cylindrical arrangements of permanent magnets. The same instrument can be used to move suspended cells loaded with SPIONs along with predetermined directions. Surprisingly, it also allows for controlled movements of intracellular compartments inside of individual cells. The exclusive use of permanent magnets simplifies scaled up versions for animals or even humans, which would open the door for remotely controlled in vivo guidance of nanoparticles or micro-robots.