Magnet-guided transduction of mammalian cells and mice using engineered magnetic lentiviral particles

A new colitis therapy strategy via the target colonization of magnetic nanoparticle-internalized Roseburia intestinalis

The homeostasis process in the gut tissue of humans relies on intestinal bacteria. However, the intestine is a complex structural tissue with a huge superficial area, and thus the effective application of probiotics in the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) is still challenging. Herein, we show the feasibility of probiotic target delivery and retention using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle-internalized Roseburia intestinalis, which can be easily directed by a magnetic field in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, the increased colonization of this core profitable flora not only resulted in a better therapy effect than traditional intragastric administration but also altered the bacterial composition, leading to a higher diversity in microbial taxa in rats with colitis. Our findings illustrate the exciting opportunities that nanotechnology offers for alternative strategies to modulate biological systems remotely and precisely, which represent a step towards the wireless magnetic manipulation of living biological entities in microbiology.

Regulation of Electromagnetic Perceptive Gene Using Ferromagnetic Particles for the External Control of Calcium Ion Transport

Developing synthetic biological devices to allow the noninvasive control of cell fate and function, in vivo can potentially revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine. To address this unmet need, we designed an artificial biological “switch” that consists of two parts: (1) the electromagnetic perceptive gene (EPG) and (2) magnetic particles. Our group has recently cloned the EPG from the Kryptopterus bicirrhis (glass catfish). The EPG gene encodes a putative membrane-associated protein that responds to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This gene’s primary mechanism of action is to raise the intracellular calcium levels or change in flux through EMF stimulation. Here, we developed a system for the remote regulation of [Ca²⁺]_i (i.e., intracellular calcium ion concentration) using streptavidin-coated ferromagnetic particles (FMPs) under a magnetic field. The results demonstrated that the EPG-FMPs can be used as a molecular calcium switch to express target proteins. This technology has the potential for controlled gene expression, drug delivery, and drug developments.

Synthetic gene circuits for the detection, elimination and prevention of disease

In living organisms, naturally evolved sensors that constantly monitor and process environmental cues trigger corrective actions that enable the organisms to cope with changing conditions. Such natural processes have inspired biologists to construct synthetic living sensors and signalling pathways, by repurposing naturally occurring proteins and by designing molecular building blocks de novo, for customized diagnostics and therapeutics. In particular, designer cells that employ user-defined synthetic gene circuits to survey disease biomarkers and to autonomously re-adjust unbalanced pathological states can coordinate the production of therapeutics, with controlled timing and dosage. Furthermore, tailored genetic networks operating in bacterial or human cells have led to cancer remission in experimental animal models, owing to the network's unprecedented specificity. Other applications of designer cells in infectious, metabolic and autoimmune diseases are also being explored. In this Review, we describe the biomedical applications of synthetic gene circuits in major disease areas, and discuss how the first genetically engineered devices developed on the basis of synthetic-biology principles made the leap from the laboratory to the clinic.

Magnetic separation: its application in mining, waste purification, medicine, biochemistry and chemistry

The use of strong magnetic field gradients and high magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets or superconducting coils has found applications in many fields such as mining, solid state chemistry, biochemistry and medical research.

In vivo risk evaluation of carbon-coated iron carbide nanoparticles based on short- and long-term exposure scenarios

BACKGROUND

While carbon-encapsulated iron carbide nanoparticles exhibit strong magnetic properties appealing for biomedical applications, potential side effects of such materials remain comparatively poorly understood. Here, we assess the effects of iron-based nanoparticles in an in vivo long-term study in mice with observation windows between 1 week and 1 year.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Functionalized (PEG or IgG) carbon-encapsulated platinum-spiked iron carbide nanoparticles were injected intravenously in mice (single or repeated dose administration).

RESULTS

One week after administration, magnetic nanoparticles were predominantly localized in organs of the reticuloendothelial system, particularly the lung and liver. After 1 year, particles were still present in these organs, however, without any evident tissue alterations, such as inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis or carcinogenesis. Importantly, reticuloendothelial system organs presented with normal function.

CONCLUSION

This long-term exposure study shows high in vivo compatibility of intravenously applied carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles suggesting continuing investigations on such materials for biomedical applications.

In vivo visualization of single native pancreatic islets in the mouse

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of a novel targeted contrast agent (CA) for the in vivo visualization of single native pancreatic islets, the sites of insulin production, in the pancreas of mice using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The CA for intravenous administration was composed of the β-cell-specific single-chain antibody fragment, SCA B1, and ferromagnetic carbon-coated cobalt nanoparticles. MRI experiments were performed at 7, 9.4 and 16.4 T in excised organs (pancreas, liver, kidney, spleen), at 7 T in mice fixed in formalin and at 9.4 and 16.4 T in living mice. Image contrast in untreated control animals was compared with images from mice treated with unspecific and specific CA. For the validation of MRI results, selected pancreases were subjected to immunohistochemical staining and numerical contrast simulations were performed. Ex vivo results and the outcome of immunohistochemistry suggest that islets are marked only by the CA containing SCA B1. Strong accumulation of particles was found also in other investigated organs owing to the uptake by the reticuloendothelial system, but the contrast in the MR images is clearly distinguishable from the islet specific contrast in pancreases and numerical predictions. In vivo experiments based on averaged dynamic sampling with 66 × 66 × 100 µm³ and triggered acquisition with 90 × 90 × 200 µm³ nominal resolution resulted in similar particle contrast to in in vitro measurements. The newly developed CA and MRI strategies have the potential to be used for studying mouse diabetes models by visualizing single native pancreatic islets.

Pressureless mechanical induction of stem cell differentiation is dose and frequency dependent

Movement is a key characteristic of higher organisms. During mammalian embryogenesis fetal movements have been found critical to normal tissue development. On the single cell level, however, our current understanding of stem cell differentiation concentrates on inducing factors through cytokine mediated biochemical signaling. In this study, human mesenchymal stem cells and chondrogenesis were investigated as representative examples. We show that pressureless, soft mechanical stimulation precipitated by the cyclic deformation of soft, magnetic hydrogel scaffolds with an external magnetic field, can induce chondrogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells without any additional chondrogenesis transcription factors (TGF-β1 and dexamethasone). A systematic study on the role of movement frequency revealed a classical dose-response relationship for human mesenchymal stem cells differentiation towards cartilage using mere mechanical stimulation. This effect could even be synergistically amplified when exogenous chondrogenic factors and movement were combined.

Genetically programmed superparamagnetic behavior of mammalian cells

Although magnetic fields and paramagnetic inorganic materials were abundant on planet earth during the entire evolution of living species the interaction of organisms with these physical forces remains a little-understood phenomenon. Interestingly, rather than being genetically encoded, organisms seem to accumulate and take advantage of inorganic nanoparticles to sense or react to magnetic fields. Using a synthetic biology-inspired approach we have genetically programmed mammalian cells to show superparamagnetic behavior. The combination of ectopic production of the human ferritin heavy chain 1 (hFTH1), engineering the cells for expression of an iron importer, the divalent metal ion transferase 1 (DMT1) and the design of an iron-loading culture medium to maximize cellular iron uptake enabled efficient iron mineralization in intracellular ferritin particles and conferred superparamagnetic behavior to the entire cell. When captured by a magnetic field the superparamagnetic cells reached attraction velocities of up to 30 μm/s and could be efficiently separated from complex cell mixtures using standard magnetic cell separation equipment. Technology that enables magnetic separation of genetically programmed superparamagnetic cells in the absence of inorganic particles could foster novel opportunities in diagnostics and cell-based therapies.

Local gene targeting and cell positioning using magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic tips: comparison of mathematical simulations with experiments

PURPOSE

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnets can be used to enhance gene transfer or cell attachment but gene or cell delivery to confined areas has not been addressed. We therefore searched for an optimal method to simulate and perform local gene targeting and cell delivery in vitro.

METHODS

Localized gene transfer or cell positioning was achieved using permanent magnets with newly designed soft iron tips and MNP/lentivirus complexes or MNP-loaded cells, respectively. Their distribution was simulated with a mathematical model calculating magnetic flux density gradients and particle trajectories.

RESULTS

Soft iron tips generated strong confined magnetic fields and could be reliably used for local (~500 μm diameter) gene targeting and positioning of bone marrow cells or cardiomyocytes. The calculated distribution of MNP/lentivirus complexes and MNP-loaded cells concurred very well with the experimental results of local gene expression and cell attachment, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MNP-based gene targeting and cell positioning can be reliably performed in vitro using magnetic soft iron tips, and computer simulations are effective methods to predict and optimize experimental results.

Magnetic targeting strategies in gene delivery

Gene delivery is a process of the insertion of transgenes into cells with the purpose to obtain the expression of encoded protein. The therapeutic application of this process is termed gene therapy, which is becoming a promising instrument to treat genetic and acquired diseases. Although numerous methods of gene transfer have already been developed, including biological, physical and chemical approaches, the optimal strategy has to be discovered. Importantly, it should be effective, selective and safe to be translated to the clinic. Magnetic targeting has been demonstrated as an effective strategy to decrease side effects of gene transfer, while increasing the selectivity and efficiency of the applied vector. This article will focus on the latest progress in the development of different magnetic vectors, based on both viral and nonviral gene delivery agents. It will also include a description of magnetic targeting applications in stem cells and in vivo, which has gained interest in recent years due to the rapid development of technology.

Iron core/shell nanoparticles as magnetic drug carriers: possible interactions with the vascular compartment

Aims: Nanomagnets with metal cores have recently been shown to be promising candidates for magnetic drug delivery due to higher magnetic moments compared with commonly used metal oxides. Successful application strongly relies on a safe implementation that goes along with detailed knowledge of interactions and effects that nanomagnets might impart once entering the body. Materials & Methods: In this work, we put a particular focus on the interactions of ultra-strong metal nanomagnets (≥ three-times higher in magnetization compared with oxide nanoparticles) within the vascular compartment. Individual aspects of possible effects are addressed, including interactions with the coagulation cascade, the complement system, phagocytes and toxic or inflammatory reactions both by blood and endothelial cells in response to nanomagnet exposure. Results: We show that carbon-coated metal nanomagnets are well-tolerated by cells of the vascular compartment and have only minor effects on blood coagulation. Conclusion: These findings provide the fundament to initiate successful first in vivo evaluations opening metal nanomagnets with improved magnetic properties to fascinating applications in nanomedicine.

The application of nanoparticles in gene therapy and magnetic resonance imaging

The combination of nanoparticles, gene therapy, and medical imaging has given rise to a new field known as gene theranostics, in which a nanobioconjugate is used to diagnose and treat the disease. The process generally involves binding between a vector carrying the genetic information and a nanoparticle, which provides the signal for imaging. The synthesis of this probe generates a synergic effect, enhancing the efficiency of gene transduction and imaging contrast. We discuss the latest approaches in the synthesis of nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging, gene therapy strategies, and their conjugation and in vivo application.

Magnetically guided lentiviral-mediated transduction of airway epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Lentiviral (LV) vectors are able to only slowly and inefficiently transduce nondividing cells such as those of the airway epithelium. To address this issue, we have exploited the magnetofection technique in in vitro models of airway epithelium.

METHODS

Magnetofectins were formed by noncovalent interaction between LV particles and polycation-coated iron oxide nanoparticles. Efficiency of LV-mediated transduction (as evaluated through green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression by cytofluorimetric analysis) was measured in bronchial epithelial cells in the presence or absence of a magnetic field. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release; cell monolayer integrity by measurement of transepithelial resistance (TER) and evaluation of correct zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) localization at tight junctions (TJs) by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

In nonpolarized cells, magnetofectins enhanced LV-mediated transduction at multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 50 up to 3.9-fold upon a 24-h incubation, to levels that approached those achieved at MOI of 200 for LV alone, in the presence or absence of the magnetic field. Magnetofection significantly increased the percentage of transduced cells up to 186-fold already after 15 min of incubation. In polarized cells, magnetofection increased GFP+ cells up to 24-fold compared to LV alone. Magnetofection did not enhance LDH release and slightly altered TER but not ZO-1 localization at the TJs.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that magnetofection can facilitate in vitro LV-mediated transduction of airway epithelial cells, in the absence of overt cytotoxicity and maintaining epithelial integrity, by lowering the necessary vector dose and reducing the incubation time required to achieve efficient transduction.

High-strength metal nanomagnets for diagnostics and medicine: carbon shells allow long-term stability and reliable linker chemistry

The rapidly growing applications of nanomagnets in magnetic drug delivery and separation in clinical diagnostics require strong and reliable magnetic vehicles. Strength conveys rapid processing, high delivery/targeting yield and rapid results when used in clinics. Reliability enables recycling of nanomagnets, regulatory-conforming drug formulations and efficient use of (expensive) antibodies in diagnostics, combined with reduced leaching (reagent loss). The present work illustrates how metal-based nanomagnets provide a two-three-times stronger magnetic particle than conventional magnetite-based materials. Ligands, antibodies or drugs can be anchored to such carbon/metal core/shell nanomagnets over covalent, hydrolysis-resistant carbon-carbon bonds. This linker chemistry resists strong acids, sterilization and prolonged storage or aggressive treatment. As dispersions, functional nanomagnets rapidly scan liquids/tissue by Brownian diffusion, capture/deliver/react at a target and are efficiently recollected after use. Metal iron-based, carbon-coated nanomagnets consist of particularly well-accepted materials and now open stable nanomagnets to a broad range of fascinating separation problems in biomedical research.