Remote magnetic actuation of cell signalling for tissue engineering
Michael Rotherham, Tasmin Nahar, T. J. Broomhall, Neil D. Telling, Alicia J. El Haj
Abstract
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) are extremely versatile tools in bioengineering and medicine with diverse uses ranging from magnetic resonance contrast agents to drug delivery vehicles. Recently, MNP have been adapted to target and regulate cell signalling pathways for control of cell behaviour. This approach has been applied to stem and progenitor cells to orchestrate tissue development in tissue engineering. This review introduces the bio-functionalisation mechanisms for MNP and highlights the recent advances in MNP-mediated cell signalling activation. We also explore how the application of this technology has novel uses for stem cell control in the context of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.