Magnetic cell delivery for the regeneration of musculoskeletal and neural tissues

Regenerative Therapy, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reth.2018.10.001 · Published: October 3, 2018

Simple Explanation

Magnetic targeting is a method where cells are labeled with magnetic particles and guided to specific areas in the body using a magnetic field. This technique has been developed to make cell transplantation less invasive. This system enhances the accumulation and adhesion of locally injected cells to the damaged tissue, improving tissue regeneration. It has been used with different types of cells, such as bone marrow stem cells and neural progenitor cells, to regenerate bone, cartilage, muscle, and spinal cord. A clinical trial in Japan showed promising results with cartilage repair in the knee using this method, demonstrating its potential for various organ regeneration.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Animal models and 5 human patients

Evidence Level

Clinical trial and animal studies

Key Findings

1
Magnetic targeting enhances the infiltration of MSCs into artificial bone and bone formation in rabbit forelimb bone defect model.
2
Magnetic targeting promotes the accumulation of transplanted MSCs into the cartilage defect site and cartilage repair, compared to the gravity adhesion technique of MSCs or non-treatment.
3
Magnetic targeting of CD133-positive cells enhanced angiogenesis and myogenesis at the injury site, resulting in the improvement of histological and mechanical muscle repair.

Research Summary

Magnetic targeting is a cell delivery system that utilizes magnetic labeling of cells and a magnetic field to achieve minimally invasive cell transplantation. The technique has shown promise in animal models for regenerating bone, cartilage, skeletal muscles, and the spinal cord, by enhancing cell accumulation and adhesion at the site of injury. A clinical trial involving patients with articular cartilage defects in the knee demonstrated the safety and efficacy of magnetic targeting using autologous mesenchymal stem cells, suggesting its potential for broader application in organ regeneration.

Practical Implications

Minimally Invasive Therapy

Magnetic targeting offers a less invasive approach to cell transplantation, reducing patient trauma and recovery time.

Enhanced Tissue Regeneration

The technique improves cell accumulation and adhesion, leading to more effective tissue repair in musculoskeletal and neural disorders.

Clinical Applicability

Successful clinical trials suggest potential for broader use in various organ regeneration therapies, pending improvements in magnetic field devices.

Study Limitations

1
The magnetic force is weakened at the lesion part in the case where the lesion is far from the magnet.
2
The magnetic ﬁeld generating device should be improved for applying the magnetic targeting to any part of the body
3
Further research is needed to optimize the strength and exposure time to the magnetic field for different cell types and tissues.

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