The Application of Nanomagnetic Approaches for Targeting Adipose Derived Stem Cells for Use in Tendon Repair

Cellular therapies rely upon the delivery of cells to a therapeutic region. Poor cell retention and cell death can impact upon the success of current methodologies. This paper explores one potential solution, magnetic targeting. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles possess unique properties, such as a magnetic response only produced within an external magnetic field. Magnetic nanoparticles can be efficiently internalised into adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells without affecting their viability, differentiation or cell surface marker expression. By applying an external magnetic field to labelled cells, migration occurs in a dose dependant manner. Applications of this approach to tendon repair are tested in an in vivo rabbit model. Labelled cells can be stimulated to migrate into a defect within an Achilles tendon using magnetic biomaterials embedded within the defect. Ultimately, this method may aid in overcoming existing complications in cell delivery and retention, allowing for the repeated and localised delivery of viable cells to a wide range of tissues.