Publications by authors named "A Keramane"

Magnetic particle tagging techniques are currently being applied to tissue engineering applications such as controlled differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). In order to define key mechanotransducers underpinning these applications, the electrophysiological responses of human MSCs (hMSC) have been investigated. Ferromagnetic microparticles were coated with L-arginyl-glycyl-L-aspartic acid in order to target the application of dynamic force (6 pN) directly to cell surface integrins.

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Magnetic nanoparticle-based gene transfection has been shown to be effective in combination with both viral vectors and with non-viral agents. In these systems, therapeutic or reporter genes are attached to magnetic nanoparticles which are then focused to the target site/cells via high-field/high-gradient magnets. The technique has been shown to be efficient and rapid for in vitro transfection and compares well with cationic lipid-based reagents, producing good overall transfection levels with lower doses and shorter transfection times.

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Mechanical conditioning of cells and tissue constructs in bioreactors is an important factor in determining the properties of tissue being produced. Mechanical conditioning within a bioreactor environment, however, has proven difficult. This paper presents the theoretical basis, design, and initial results of a mechanical conditioning system for cell and tissue culture which is based on biocompatible magnetic micro- and nanoparticles acting as a remote stress mechanism without invasion of the sterile bioreactor environment.

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