Author:
Gundersen Rebekah Anamarie,Chu Tianyuan,Abolfathi Kiana,Gokcen Dogan Serap,Blair Phoebe Elizabeth,Nago Nyasha,Hamblin Michael,Brooke Greg Nicholas,Zwacka Ralf Michael,Kafash Hoshiar Ali,Mohr Andrea
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Combining the power of magnetic guidance and the biological activities of stem cells transformed into biohybrid microrobots holds great promise for the treatment of several diseases including cancer.
Results
We found that human MSCs can be readily loaded with magnetic particles and that the resulting biohybrid microrobots could be guided by a rotating magnetic field. Rotating magnetic fields have the potential to be applied in the human setting and steer therapeutic stem cells to the desired sites of action in the body. We could demonstrate that the required loading of magnetic particles into stem cells is compatible with their biological activities. We examined this issue with a particular focus on the expression and functionality of therapeutic genes inside of human MSC-based biohybrid microrobots. The loading with magnetic particles did not cause a loss of viability or apoptosis in the human MSCs nor did it impact on the therapeutic gene expression from the cells. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of the gene products was not affected, and the cells also did not lose their migration potential.
Conclusion
These results demonstrate that the fabrication of guidable MSC-based biohybrid microrobots is compatible with their biological and therapeutic functions. Thus, MSC-based biohybrid microrobots represent a novel way of delivering gene therapies to tumours as well as in the context of other diseases.
Funder
The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Education
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Pancreatic Cancer UK
Faculty of Science and Health Research Innovation and Support Fund, University of Essex
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Physical and Theoretical Chemistry,Pharmaceutical Science,Oncology,Biomedical Engineering