Biocompatible Magnetic Particle Shells for Motile Cell Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlled movement of motile cells using magnetic particles face toxicity issues due to particle uptake by cells, particularly in sperm cells, and lack effective control over cell mobility and foreign material absorption.

Innovation Solution

Motile cells are attached to or incorporated onto magnetic particles shaped as tubes, rods, or networks made from ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials, with functional groups for interaction, allowing controlled movement via an external magnetic field without absorption, using materials like titanium, iron, or gold, and dimensions adapted to the cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If magnetic particles are introduced into cell mixtures for separation or fertilization applications, then controlled movement and separation of cells is achieved, but the magnetic particles are taken up by cells causing toxicity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled movement of cellsVSAvoidtoxicity from particle uptake

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the magnetic particle into two distinct parts: a magnetic core (for controlled movement) and a biocompatible shell (for cell interaction). This segmentation allows the magnetic functionality to be separated from the toxic component, enabling controlled cell movement while preventing cellular uptake of the magnetic material that causes toxicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A biocompatible shell material acts as an intermediary between the magnetic core and the cells. This shell layer prevents direct contact and uptake of the magnetic particles by cells, eliminating toxicity while still allowing the magnetic field to control the particle-cell complex for directed movement in fertilization applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If magnetic particles with reactive groups are used to attach to eggs or embryos, then transport and stabilization is improved, but foreign material uptake by cells occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefertilization success rateVSAvoidforeign material uptake

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic particle is segmented with a biocompatible shell that prevents cellular internalization while allowing surface reactions. The reactive groups are positioned on the outer shell surface, enabling attachment to eggs or embryos for improved transport and stabilization without the magnetic core being taken up by the cell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A thin biocompatible shell film encapsulates the magnetic core, providing a barrier that prevents foreign material uptake while maintaining the necessary surface chemistry for biological interactions. This shell allows the particle to function as intended for fertilization support without triggering cellular rejection or uptake mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If nanometer-range magnetic particles are used for cell interaction, then cell attachment is improved, but cellular uptake and toxicity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell attachment efficiencyVSAvoidcellular uptake and toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nanometer-range magnetic particle is segmented with a protective biocompatible shell that maintains the small size necessary for effective cell attachment while preventing cellular internalization. The shell acts as a size-matched barrier that blocks uptake pathways while allowing the particle to interact with cell surfaces for improved attachment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables improved activity and controlled mobility of motile cells without toxicity, facilitating directed movement in therapeutic applications like in-vivo fertilization by preventing foreign material uptake and enhancing fertilization success rates.

Implementation Method 1

by applying an external magnetic field, the magnetic particles with the motile cells introduced or attached in or on them are moved in a directed manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2872618B1Method for the controlled movement of motile cells in liquid or gaseous media

Publication Date: 2018.12.19 INST FUER FESTKOERPER & WERKSTOFFORSCHUNG DRESDEN EV

Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2

AI summary

The invention concerns the domains of materials science and medicine and relates to a method such as can be applied to in vivo or in vitro fertilization, for instance. The problem addressed by the present invention is that of specifying a method with which the activity and controlled mobility of motile cells is improved and the absorption of materials alien to the cell is prevented as far as possible. The problem is solved by a method in which one or more motile cells are introduced into or attached to one or a plurality of magnetic particles, and subsequently the magnetic particles with the motile cells introduced into them or attached to them are moved in a directional manner by the application of an external magnetic field. The problem is further solved by the use of the method for the controlled movement of motile cells in liquid or gaseous media in the body of a mammal or human being.