Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
09:54
Fabrication of Magnetic Platforms for Micron-Scale Organization of Interconnected Neurons
Published on: July 14, 2021
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Magnetic Nanostructures Inside Cells: A Versatile Platform for Cellular Sensing, Manipulation, and Fabrication.
Malay Pal1, Souravi Mukherjee1, Parul Yadav2,3
1Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 12, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed magnetically controlled cell-bots using internalized nanostructures. These cell-bots can be precisely steered using rotating magnetic fields for cell manipulation, microrheology, and biofabrication applications.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Traditional magnetic cell manipulation uses surface-attached beads and magnetic gradients.
- Internalized magnetic nanostructures offer a novel approach for cellular control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate precise magnetic manipulation of cells using internalized nanostructures.
- To enable active microrheology and programmable cell transport.
- To explore applications in cell sorting, biofabrication, and regenerative medicine.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing helical magnetic nanostructures internalized within living cells.
- Employing weak, spatially homogeneous rotating magnetic fields (< 8 mT).
- Investigating cell dynamics under varying magnetic fields and cell-substrate adhesion.
Main Results:
- Resolved three distinct dynamical regimes: nanomotor propulsion, intermittent tumbling, and synchronous rolling.
- Established quantitative torque balance for intracellular force transmission.
- Demonstrated hydrodynamic steering of passive cells for label-free sorting and patterning.
- Guided pre-osteoblastic cells for tissue engineering applications.
Conclusions:
- Developed a versatile platform for cellular interrogation, manipulation, and biofabrication.
- Showcased the potential of magnetic cell-bots in regenerative medicine.
- Closed a gap in understanding nanoscale force transmission to the cellular scale.
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