Nanotechnology, Science and Applications (Apr 2021)
Contactless Nanoparticle-Based Guiding of Cells by Controllable Magnetic Fields
Abstract
Peter Blümler,1 Ralf P Friedrich,2 Jorge Pereira,3 Olga Baun,1 Christoph Alexiou,2 Volker Mailänder3,4 1Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, 55128, Germany; 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, 91054, Germany; 3Department of Physical Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, 55128, Germany; 4Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, GermanyCorrespondence: Peter BlümlerInstitute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 7, Mainz, 55128, GermanyTel +49 6131 3924240Fax +49 6131 3925179Email [email protected]: Controlled and contactless movements of magnetic nanoparticles are crucial for fundamental biotechnological and clinical research (eg, cell manipulation and sorting, hyperthermia, and magnetic drug targeting). However, the key technological question, how to generate suitable magnetic fields on various length scales (μm–m), is still unsolved. Here, we present a system of permanent magnets which allows for steering of iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) on arbitrary trajectories observable by microscopy. The movement of the particles is simply controlled by an almost force-free rotation of cylindrical arrangements of permanent magnets. The same instrument can be used to move suspended cells loaded with SPIONs along with predetermined directions. Surprisingly, it also allows for controlled movements of intracellular compartments inside of individual cells. The exclusive use of permanent magnets simplifies scaled up versions for animals or even humans, which would open the door for remotely controlled in vivo guidance of nanoparticles or micro-robots.Keywords: permanent magnets, Halbach, super-paramagnetic, steering, targeting
