3D Patterning of cells in Magnetic Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

V Goranov,Y Haranava,L Ambrosio,A Gloria,V A Dediu,E Kon,T Shelyakova,A Tampieri,A Makhaniok,R De Santis,M Marcacci,A Russo

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-58738-5

Abstract

A three dimensional magnetic patterning of two cell types was realised in vitro inside an additive manufactured magnetic scaffold, as a conceptual precursor for the vascularised tissue. The realisation of separate arrangements of vascular and osteoprogenitor cells, labelled with biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles, was established on the opposite sides of the scaffold fibres under the effect of non-homogeneous magnetic gradients and loading magnetic configuration. The magnetisation of the scaffold amplified the guiding effects by an additional trapping of cells due to short range magnetic forces. The mathematical modelling confirmed the strong enhancement of the magnetic gradients and their particular geometrical distribution near the fibres, defining the preferential cell positioning on the micro-scale. The manipulation of cells inside suitably designed magnetic scaffolds represents a unique solution for the assembling of cellular constructs organised in biologically adequate arrangements.

Highlights

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials provide numerous innovative solutions for tissue engineering, aiming at radical reinforcement and renovation of clinical practice
We go beyond these approaches by making use of properly designed magnetic scaffolds that are characterized by short scale (100–200 μm) strong magnetic gradients, able to orient and trap the magnetized cells on the chosen side of the scaffold fibres
As a proof of principle of this extraordinary ability we present an accurately defined separation of two cell populations, namely mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), on the opposite sides of the magnetic osteogenic scaffold fibres

Summary

Introduction

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials provide numerous innovative solutions for tissue engineering, aiming at radical reinforcement and renovation of clinical practice. This was followed by the 8–36 h interval corresponding to high and relatively constant concentration of MNPs (green rectangle in Fig. 1e), defining the incubation time range for the most stable magnetisation.

Results

Conclusion