Abstract

Magnetic Manipulations for Controlling 3D Neural Network Formation

Orit Shefi, Associate Professor, Bar-Ilan University

The ability to manipulate and direct neuronal growth has great implications in neural tissue engineering for both neuronal repair and potential medical devices. I will present our recent studies of magnetic-based manipulations  for promoting cell regeneration, controlling the organization of their extracellular environment and for directing drug delivery to the nervous system. As physical mechanical forces play a key role in neuronal morphogenesis, we use magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as mediators to apply forces locally on neurons throughout their migration and organization. Following incubation, the MNPs accumulated in the cells, turning the cells sensitive to magnetic stimulation. Applying magnetic fields with controlled magnetic flux densities leads to pre-designed cellular movement and to organized networks. Growing neurons loaded with MNPs under magnetic fields has affected the pattern of dendritic trees.  Moreover, we use the MNPs as mediators for shaping the 3D extracellular environment of regenerating neurons and as a platform for drug delivery, using magnetic targeting strategy to enhance therapeutic in selected cell populations. We conjugate covalently growth factors to iron oxide nanoparticles and use controlled magnetic fields to deliver the complexes to target sites. Our methods shows a controllable delivery system of biomolecules, together with integral guidance cues, presenting an emerging magneto-chemical approach for neuronal engineering and therapeutics.