Modulated nanowire scaffold for highly efficient differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Background: Nanotopographical cues play a critical role as drivers of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Nanowire scaffolds, in this regard, provide unique and adaptable nanostructured surfaces with focal points for adhesion and with elastic properties determined by nanowire stiffness.

Results: We show that a scaffold of nanowires, which are remotely actuated by a magnetic field, mechanically stimulates mesenchymal stem cells.

3D Printed Microneedle Array for Electroporation.

In-vitro transfection of cells by electroporation is a widely used approach in cell biology and medicine. The transfection method is highly dependent on the cell culture's electrical resistance, which is strongly determined by differences in the membranes, but also on the morphology of the electrodes. Microneedle (MN)-based electrodes have been used to concentrate the electrical field during electroporation, and therefore maximize its effect on cell membrane permeability.

Functionalization of Magnetic Nanowires for Active Targeting and Enhanced Cell-Killing Efficacy.

Conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often insufficient in eliminating cancer and are accompanied by severe side effects, due to a lack in the specificity of their targeting. Magnetic iron nanowires have made a great contribution to the nanomedicine field because of their low toxicity and ease of manipulation with the magnetic field. Recently, they have been used in magnetic resonance imaging and wireless magnetomechanical and photothermal treatments.

Biofunctionalization of Magnetic Nanomaterials.

Magnetic nanomaterials have received great attention in different biomedical applications. Biofunctionalizing these nanomaterials with specific targeting agents is a crucial aspect to enhance their efficacy in diagnostics and treatments while minimizing the side effects. The benefit of magnetic nanomaterials compared to non-magnetic ones is their ability to respond to magnetic fields in a contact-free manner and over large distances.

Laser-Printed, Flexible Graphene Pressure Sensors.

While the outstanding properties of graphene have attracted a lot of attention, one of the major bottlenecks of its widespread usage is its availability in large volumes. Laser printing graphene on polyimide films is an efficient single-step fabrication process that can remedy this issue. A laser-printed, flexible pressure sensor is developed utilizing the piezoresistive effect of 3D porous graphene.

Functionalized magnetic nanowires for chemical and magneto-mechanical induction of cancer cell death.

Exploiting and combining different properties of nanomaterials is considered a potential route for next generation cancer therapies. Magnetic nanowires (NWs) have shown good biocompatibility and a high level of cellular internalization. We induced cancer cell death by combining the chemotherapeutic effect of doxorubicin (DOX)-functionalized iron NWs with the mechanical disturbance under a low frequency alternating magnetic field.