Scientists from 4D-BIOMAP, an ERC research project at the Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M), have developed a new experimental method, based on magnetoactive polymers, to study cell behavior.
These compounds, which consist of a polymeric matrix (e.g., an elastomer) that contains magnetic particles (e.g., iron), react mechanically by changing their shape and stiffness. This system could be used to study complex scenarios (such as brain trauma, wound healing, etc.) or to influence cellular responses, guiding their functions.
We have been able to reproduce the local deformations that occur in the brain when it is subjected to an impact. This would allow these cases to be replicated in the laboratory, analyzing what happens to the cells and how they are damaged in real time. In addition, we have validated the system by demonstrating its ability to transmit forces to and act on cells. “
Daniel García González, Researcher in charge of 4D-BIOMAP, Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid – Officina d’Informacio Cientifica
The idea of this project is to be able to carry out studies replicating complex biological processes through a new virtually assisted experimental system, which allows a non-invasive and real-time control of the mechanical environment. Biological cells and tissues are continually subjected to mechanical stress by their surrounding substrate, so analyzing and controlling the forces influencing their behavior would be a milestone for the “mechanobiology” community.
The system proposed by 4D-BIOMAP is based on the use of extremely soft magnetoactive polymers that mimic the rigidity of biological materials. Thanks to their qualities, magnetoactive materials allow researchers to perform unrestricted monitoring of biological substrates, as the mechanical changes applied during the experiment can be reversible.
“With the support of the computational model, we have taken advantage of all this basic science to design an intelligent action system that, coupled to a microscope developed within the ERC, allows us to visualize the cellular response in situ.” in this way, we have consolidated a broad framework for stimulating cellular systems with intelligent magnetoactive materials, ”says Daniel García González. This proposed framework paves the way for understanding the complex “mechanobiological” processes that occur during dynamic deformity states, such as traumatic brain injury, pathological skin scarring, or fibrotic remodeling of the heart during a myocardial infarction, for example.
Source:
Carlos III University of Madrid – Office of Scientific Information