Long-range directional growth of neurites induced by magnetic forces.

The ability to control the growth and orientation of neurites over long distances has significant implications for regenerative therapies and the development of physiologically relevant brain tissue models. In this study, the forces generated on magnetic nanoparticles internalised within intracellular endosomes are used to direct the orientation of neuronal outgrowth in cell cultures. Following differentiation, neurite orientation was observed after 3 days application of magnetic forces to human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells, and after 4 days application to rat cortical primary neurons.

Optical Microscopy Using the Faraday Effect Reveals Magnetization Dynamics of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biological Samples.

The study of exogenous and endogenous nanoscale magnetic material in biology is important for developing biomedical nanotechnology as well as for understanding fundamental biological processes such as iron metabolism and biomineralization. Here, we exploit the magneto-optical Faraday effect to probe intracellular magnetic properties and perform magnetic imaging, revealing the location-specific magnetization dynamics of exogenous magnetic nanoparticles within cells. The opportunities enabled by this method are shown in the context of magnetic hyperthermia; an effect where local heating is generated in magnetic nanoparticles exposed to high-frequency AC magnetic fields.

Remote Activation of Mechanotransduction via Integrin Alpha-5 via Aptamer-Conjugated Magnetic Nanoparticles Promotes Osteogenesis.

Bone regeneration and repair are complex processes in the adult skeleton, and current research has focused on understanding and controlling these processes. Magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-based platforms have shown potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine through the use of magnetic nanomaterials combined with remotely applied dynamic fields. Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of MNP-induced mechanoactivation to trigger downstream signaling and promote new bone formation.

Fabrication and Characterisation of Hydrogels with Reversible Wrinkled Surfaces for Limbal Study and Reconstruction.

In the biomedical field, there is a demand for the development of novel approaches for the investigation of optical epithelial anatomical features with biomimetic materials. These materials are not only required to replicate structures but also enable dynamic modelling for disease states such as limbal stem cell deficiency and ageing. In the present study, the effective generation of reversible wrinkled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates was undertaken to mimic the undulating anatomy of the limbal epithelial stem cell niche.