High-throughput generation of spheroids using magnetic nanoparticles for three-dimensional cell culture.
Various attempts have been made to develop three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture methods because 3-D cells mimic the structures and functional properties of real tissue compared with those of monolayer cultures. Here, we report on a highly simple and efficient 3-D spheroid generation method based on a magnetic pin-array system to concentrate magnetic nanoparticle-incorporated cells in a focal direction. This system was comprised only of external magnets and magnetically induced iron pins to generate a concentrated magnetic field for attracting cells in a focused direction. 3-D spheroid generation was achieved simply by adding magnetic nanoparticle-incorporated cells into a well and covering the plate with a magnetic lid. Cell clustering occurred rapidly within 5 min and created more compact cells with time through the focused magnetic force. This system ensured not only reproducible and size-controlled generation of spheroids but also versatile types of spheroids such as random mixed, core-shell, and fused spheroids, providing a very useful tool for various biological applications.
School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-744, Republic of Korea.
Jeong Ah
JA
Kim
Jong-Ho
JH
Choi
Minsoo
M
Kim
Won Jong
WJ
Rhee
Boram
B
Son
Hyun-Kyo
HK
Jung
Tai Hyun
TH
Park
D001854:Bone Marrow Cells; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002470:Cell Survival; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D060526:Magnetic Fields; D008280:Magnetics; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D018874:Spheroids, Cellular / Q000166:cytology*
3-Dimensional (3-D) cell culture; Magnetic field; Magnetic nanoparticles; Spheroid; Tissue engineering