Efficient Bone Cell Formation Possible to Achieve in Shorter Time Through Technique Relying on Iron Nanowires

A newly developed technique depends on iron nanowires that bend in reaction to magnetic fields. Essentially, bone-forming stem cells grown on the mesh of the said nanowires are getting a physical workout on the moving substrate.

A nanotechnology platform developed by scientists at Kaust or King Abdullah University of Science & Technology could lead to new degenerative bone disease treatments, a SciTechDaily report said.

They subsequently grow into adult bone substantially faster than in conventional culturing settings, with a differentiation protocol lasting just a few days, instead of a few weeks.

According to Associate Professor of bioscience Jasmeen Merzaban, "this is a remarkable finding. He added, that they can achieve effective bone cell formation in a shorter time, potentially paving the way for more effective regeneration of bone.

Merzaban co-led the research with sensor scientist Jurgen Konsel and colleagues from their labs.

Bone Development Process

In the study published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology, the researchers analyzed the bone-producing capability of their nanowire scaffold, both with and without magnetic signals.

Essentially the scientists analyzed their nanowire's scaffold, both with and without magnetic signals. They also patterned the nanowires in an equally spaced grid and layered bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells or MSCs on top. Each small wire is roughly the same size as the fail-like appendages discovered in some bacteria.

The study authors found that adding a low-frequency magnetic field greatly accelerated bone development.

Within two days of incubation under mechanical stimulation, the bone development marker could be detected, while genes associated with stemness and self-renewal rapidly turned inactive.

The scientists could also witness the cells rebuilding themselves to become more bone-like at a fast rate under a microscope.

Fast-Tracking the Healing Process

Next, the team at KAUST is planning to test its systems in mouse models of degenerative bone disease with the expectation stemming cell-seeded nanowire scaffolds can be implanted safely at sites of injury and promote the repair of tissues. An immensely applied magnetic field would be utilized to fast-track the healing process.

Kosel lab Ph.D. student Jose Efrain Perez sees potential applications in other disease settings.

As he points out, changing the matrix immobility by increasing or decreasing the length and diameter of the nanowire could promote differential reactions with MSCs.

They could also use other stem cell types, for instance, to promote neuronal growth and brain repair after a stroke.

What's more, added Perez, is that they could further customize the nanowire scaffold itself, or the base material, for example, by using various materials to exploit their magnetic responses or coating the nanowires with biomolecules for potential delivery upon cellular contact. For such a tiny technology, the possibilities are enormous.

Related information about nanotechnology on E-Learning's YouTube video below:

Check out more news and information on Nanotechnology in Science Times.