Enhanced cell-seeding into 3D porous scaffolds by use of magnetite nanoparticles

To engineer functional tissues, a large number of cells must be successfully seeded into scaffolds. We previously proposed a methodology for tissue engineering using magnetite nanoparticles and magnetic force, which we termed "Mag-TE." In the present study, we applied the Mag-TE technique to a cell seeding process and have termed the technique "Mag-seeding." The cell-seeding efficiency of NIH/3T3 fibroblasts (FBs) by Mag-seeding was investigated using six types of commercially available scaffolds (5 collagen sponges and 1 D,D-L,L polylactic acid sponge) having various pore sizes. FBs were magnetically labeled with our original magnetite cationic liposomes (MCLs), which have a positive surface charge, to improve adsorption onto the cell surface. FBs labeled with MCLs were seeded onto a scaffold, and a magnet (4 kG) was placed under the scaffold. Mag-seeding facilitated successful cell seeding into the deep internal space of the scaffolds. Cell-seeding efficiency increased significantly in all scaffolds when compared to those without magnetic force. Moreover, when a high-intensity magnet (10 kG) was used, cell-seeding efficiency was significantly enhanced. These results suggest that Mag-seeding is a promising approach for tissue engineering.