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Updated: Dec 16, 2025

Cell Labeling and Targeting with Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Published on: October 19, 2015
Magnetically Triggered Release of Entrapped Bioactive Proteins from Thermally Responsive Polymer-Coated Iron Oxide
Matthew Walker1, Iain Will2, Andrew Pratt3
1Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, U.K.
Abstract:
Nanoparticles could conceal bioactive proteins during therapeutic delivery, avoiding side effects. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coated with a temperature-sensitive polymer were tested for protein release. We show that coated SPIONs can entrap test proteins and release them in a temperature-controlled manner in a biological system. Magnetically heating SPIONs triggered protein release at bulk solution temperatures below the polymer transition. The entrapped growth factor Wnt3a was inactive until magnetically triggered release, upon which it could increase mesenchymal stem cell proliferation. Once the polymer transition will be chemically adjusted above body temperature, this system could be used for targeted cell stimulation in model animals and humans.

