Magnetic Systems for Regenerative Medicine

Over the last decade, magnetic-based systems have made remarkable breakthroughs in field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The ability for contactless manipulation magnetic responsive biomaterials, or even living cells, has been leveraged to devise innovative concepts that are widening available bioengineering design space can be explored this multidisciplinary field. From fabrication cellular constructs with bioinspired patterns hierarchical structures up levitational bioassembly, enabling engineer 3D tissues better recapitulate complex biophysical biological cues their native counterparts. Moreover, inherent responsiveness is being as mechanical electrical nanotransducers further stimulate cell functions, not only vitro but also vivo. Remarkably, recent advances convergence microfabrication technologies materials opening prospects fabricate advanced microrobots microphysiological new added functionalities. Due good track record tolerance biodegradability, iron oxide-based nanoparticles remain first choice (superpara)magnetic nanomaterials, variants combinations nanomaterial increasingly Altogether, contributing multiple ways boost potential bioengineered may lead development tissue/organ models improved physiological relevance. In Special Issue we invited world experts report latest findings revise on Magnetic Systems Regenerative Medicine. This collection 12 articles highlight how different tracking directly interact its specific receptors. particular focus dedicated other interface engineered constructs, biohybrid microrobots. Most human ordered extracellular matrix (ECM) key organ function. However, recreating tissue-specific anisotropic gradients a major challenge. article number 202202468, Laura De Laporte co-workers use high aspect-ratio magneto-responsive microgels oriented within hydrogel matrices (Anisogel) by external fields architecture ECM. study, authors explore detail local physical, biochemical, properties Anisogel affect nerve growth. Jerome Crassous (article 202202430) demonstrate angle microgel alignment under static pre-programmed depending ellipsoidal maghemite nanoparticles, integrated fillers microgels. approach allows hydrogel-based both parallel orthogonal orientation, broadening tools recreate architectural complexity tissues. induction promoted controlling biochemical encapsulating material, manipulating organisation bioassembly cells itself. implementation concept achieved prior “magnetization” subsequent fields. Christina Janko her team 202203672) compare labelling efficiency superparamagnetic oxide (SPIONs) coatings, evaluate respective control 2D spheroid aggregates. Claire Wilhelm colleagues 202204850) applied similar produce muscle spheroids. These microunits were then aligned collagen hydrogels, creating stings fuse into fiber-like during culture time. A was proposed Orit Shefi 202204925) used SPIONs labelled clusters collagen-based hydrogels controlled patterned units assembled multi-layered functional microarchitectures neural networks. While defined often relies (MNPs), diamagnetic levitation, method where susceptible contact paramagnetic media (e.g. gadolinium based solutions), an attractive alternative space. 202204092, Gozde Durmus application biofabrication technique density-based spatial coding multicellular constructions, termed “Levitoids”. demonstrated self-assembly “levitospheres” (cell units) matrix, allowing create heterogeneous ECM-like microenvironment. Overall, these fabricated direct might potential, miniaturized research. patterning automated fabricating artificial architectures gradients. 202208940, Manuela Gomes propose magnetically-assisted bioprinting system composite bioinks incorporating microfibers. To enable over microfibers organization while preserving fidelity printed multilayer magnetically- matrix-assisted combined. extrusion-based tendon engineering, fibrous tissue. study demonstrates beyond pattering, biomaterials remote actuators magneto-mechanical stimulation mechanosensitive maturation steps. fact, printing remotely actuated via stimuli generally known 4D printing. particularly interesting context medicine because it shape morphing e.g. facilitate implantation medical devices triggered apply host cells. numbers 202202539, Lorenzo Moroni digital light processing (DLP) nanocomposite inks magnetite nanoparticles. shows ferromagnetic induce scaffold movements direction strategy pattern used, instance, applications. Non-invasive approaches using controllable MNPs enhance treatment efficacy repair. Alicia El Aj (Article 202201311) possibility expanding capabilities such adding properties. For purpose, they developed incorporated Graphene Oxide (GO) nanocomposites (GOMNPs) functionalised TREK1 Piezo1 antibodies specifically target ion channels. showed significant upregulation osteogenic markers expression enhanced bone formation. 202204558, thermal activation heat sensitive channel TRPV1 promotes axonal growth calcium-dependent manner. Using approach, Polina Anikeeva observed accelerated through elongation neurofilaments increased Schwann migration following magnetothermal stimulation, demonstrating technology minimally invasive therapy accelerate regeneration. most well studied wider MNPs, SPIONs, far resonance imaging (MRI), 30 years. 202207626, review manuscript issue, Jeff Bulte provided overview reports versus unlabelled Now particle (MPI) emerging vivo modality, there renaissance formulation lessons learned from occasional past pitfalls encountered SPION-labelling MRI, which expected expedite possible future clinical translation (combined) MRI/MPI tracking. More importantly, precision containing microrobots, open numerous possibilities theragnostic very broad As so, microrobotics exploited, example, delivery vehicles actively transport therapeutic payload tumours. mainly focused organisms’ motility biocompatibility, unique function natural organism overlooked. Utkan Demerci 202201800) all-in-one self-propelled volvox-based multifunctional robot, i.e. Volbot, built-in fluid mixing, multimode imaging, photosynthesis mediated situ oxygen generation. Combined Volbots motion fields, red-light irradiation enhances Volbot's locomotive behaviour, mixing biofluids modulate production improve photodynamic therapy. Because absorb near-infrared localized hyperthermia, high-yield oxygen-producing “microfactory” revealed effective suppression subcutaneous tumours photodynamic/photothermal-synergistic impressive toolbox includes capabilities, making promising microrobotics-based theranostic cancer treatment. special issue outstanding expert contributions covering directions advancing filed Our hope state-of-the-art topics research papers will serve inspiration foster surge transformative ideas next generation systems. declare no conflict interest. E. Associate Professor Habilitation Vice-President I3Bs Research Institute University Minho, Portugal. Her interests currently strategies, responses. She coordinates Consolidator Grant European Council (ERC) area, among projects. Fellow Tissue Engineering Medicine International Society (TERMIS) presently Chair-Elect Chapter (TERMIS-EU). Rui Domingues senior Researcher at – Biomaterials, Biodegradables Biomimetics, He received his PhD Chemical Aveiro. His focuses interest nanostructured biomimetic features fate