Multi-target cell therapy using a magnetoelectric microscale biorobot for targeted delivery and selective differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells via magnetically driven cell stamping

Abstract

Cell therapy refers to a treatment that involves the delivery of cells or cellular material by means of injection, grafting, or implantation in order to replace damaged tissue and restore its function, or to aid the body in fighting disease. However, limitations include poor targeting delivery and low therapeutic efficacy due to low cell survival. Hence, novel approaches are required to increase cell delivery efficiency and enhance therapeutic efficacy via selective cell differentiation at target areas. Here, we present a stamping magnetoelectric microscale biorobot (SMMB) consisting of neuron-like cell spheroids loaded with magnetoelectric nanoparticles. The SMMB enables not only effective targeted delivery of cells to multiple target areas (via minimally invasive stamping employing magnetic actuation) but also facilitates selective neuronal differentiation via magnetoelectric (ME) stimulation. This ensures rapid colonization and enhances efficacy. SMMBs were fabricated using SH-SY5Y cells. Magnetoelectric nanoparticles for ME stimulation responded to an alternating magnetic field that ensured targeted cell differentiation. Multi-target cell therapy facilitated the targeted delivery and selective differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells to multiple regions using a single SMMB with rotating and alternating magnetic fields for delivery and ME stimulation. This promising tool may overcome the limitations of existing cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2022