Magnetic Nanoparticles as a Tool for Applying Forces to Umbilical Cord-Derived MSC

摘要

Aim of the study was to induce osteogenic differentiation to human UC-derived MSC by applying mechanical forces directly to the cell surface. Biodegradable magnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were coated with RGD, targeting the integrin receptors of the cell surface. It was postulated that exposure of particle-coated cells to an oscillating magnetic field could transmit mechanical forces to the cell surface and therefore, induce differentiation towards an osteogenic lineage. The study was performed for a period of 12 days, after which Alkaline Phosphatase expression (staining, activity assay using p-NPP) as well as viability (MTT assay) was examined. Furthermore, cell distribution on 3D matrices was investigated using DAPI staining.