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Conditioning of Cardiovascular Tissue Using a Noncontact Magnetic Stretch Bioreactor with Embedded Magnetic
Matthew Hogan1, Yi-Ting Chen2, Arati G Kolhatkar2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC-Building 545), University of Houston, 3605 Cullen Boulevard, Room 2027, Houston, Texas 77204-5060, United States.
This study introduces a novel noncontact magnetic stretch bioreactor (MSB) for artificial heart muscle (AHM) tissue engineering. The MSB uses magnetic nanoparticles to apply controlled mechanical stretch, enhancing AHM functionality with reduced toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Bioreactor systems are crucial for simulating in vivo conditions in tissue engineering.
- Current stretch bioreactors require physical contact with artificial tissues, potentially limiting functional benefits.
- Noncontact methods offer a promising alternative for conditioning artificial tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a noncontact magnetic stretch bioreactor (MSB) for artificial heart muscle (AHM) conditioning.
- To investigate the use of magnetic nanoparticles for inducing mechanical stretch in fibrin scaffolds.
- To assess the efficacy and biocompatibility of the MSB system compared to traditional methods.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of fibrin scaffolds loaded with magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4).
- Application of oscillating magnetic fields using a novel bioreactor system to induce noncontact stretch.
- Culturing of AHM models within the MSB and assessment of functionality and toxicity over time.
- Comparison of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) for stretch induction and biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles enabled magnetically actuated stretching with significantly reduced toxicity compared to iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3).
- The MSB system achieved physiologically relevant stretches (up to 20% axial displacement) without direct physical contact.
- A significant increase in twitch force of AHM was observed using a 20% stretch at 0.5 Hz protocol over 8 days of culture.
- Fe3O4 nanoparticles enhanced magnetic field strength 10-fold compared to Fe2O3, improving stretch efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The developed noncontact magnetic stretch bioreactor (MSB) offers a viable technology for conditioning artificial heart muscle (AHM).
- The use of specifically prepared magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles minimizes toxicity while enabling effective mechanical stimulation.
- This approach holds potential for advancing tissue engineering by improving the functionality of engineered tissues through controlled, noncontact mechanical conditioning.
