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Development of Cell-Carrying Magnetic Microrobots with Bioactive Nanostructured Titanate Surface for Enhanced Cell
Junyang Li1,2,3, Lei Fan1,3, Yanfang Li1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong, China.
Micromachines
|December 24, 2021
Summary
To prevent cell loss during microrobot delivery, a novel nanostructured titanate surface (NTS) was developed. This bioactive surface significantly improves cell adhesion and viability in simulated blood flow, enhancing microrobot cell delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Magnet-driven microrobots are crucial for targeted cell delivery but suffer from cell detachment due to fluid dynamics.
- Existing microrobot surfaces lack sufficient bioactivity to ensure robust cell adhesion during in vivo transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microrobot surface modification to enhance cell adhesion and viability.
- To investigate the impact of a bioactive nanostructured titanate surface (NTS) on cell retention and behavior.
- To evaluate the potential of NTS-coated microrobots for improved cell delivery and osteogenic differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of microrobots using 3D laser lithography, followed by nickel coating for magnetic actuation.
- Surface modification via titanium coating and subsequent NaOH treatment to generate a nanostructured titanate surface (NTS).
- In vitro testing on a microfluidic chip simulating blood flow to assess cell adhesion, viability, protein absorption, and alkaline phosphatase activity.
Main Results:
- The NTS significantly enhanced cell adhesion to the microrobots, preventing detachment in simulated blood flow.
- NTS modified surface wettability and cell morphology, contributing to improved cell retention.
- NTS demonstrated positive effects on cell viability, proliferation, and early osteogenic differentiation.
Conclusions:
- The developed NTS provides a robust platform for microrobot-mediated cell delivery by improving cell adhesion and retention.
- Surface nanotopography of NTS positively influences cellular behavior, offering a new strategy for enhanced cell delivery.
- This research paves the way for advanced microrobotic platforms for regenerative medicine and targeted therapies.
