Cell-surface interactions involving immobilized magnetite nanoparticles on flat magnetic substrates

A new method to affect cells by cell-surface interaction is introduced. Biocompatible magnetic nanobeads are deposited onto a biocompatible magnetic thin layer. The particles are composed of small magnetite crystals embedded in a matrix which can be functionalized by different molecules, proteins or growth factors. The magnetic interaction between surface and beads prevents endocytosis if the setup is utilized for cell culturing. The force acting between particles and magnetic layer is calculated by a magnetostatic approach. Biocompatibility is ensured by using garnet layers which turned out to be nontoxic and stable under culturing conditions. The garnet thin films exhibit spatially and temporally variable magnetic domain configurations in changing external magnetic fields and depending on their thermal pretreatment. Several patterns and bead deposition methods as well as the cell-surface interactions were analyzed. In some cases the cells show directed growth. Theoretical considerations explaining particular cell behavior on this magnetic material involve calculations of cell growth on elastic substrates and bending of cell membranes.