Researchers Fight Cancer Using Magnetized Stem Cells
Researchers working in the field of regenerative medicine have developed another innovative approach to using stem cells in the fight against disease. A team from Tomsk Polytechnic University has invented a solution that uses magnetized stem cells to target cancer cells in the body.
The team used mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to “capture” magnetized microcapsules filled with cancer fighting drugs. Those microcapsules are roughly 0.01 millimeters in size.
The magnetized cells are then moved using external magnets. The result is a very targeted delivery of cancer fighting medicine.
The natural tendency of stem cells to migrate towards cancerous tissues helps facilitate the process.
“Mesenchymal stem cells are inherently able to migrate toward tumors.” Research Co-Author, Alexander Timin
First of Its Kind Study
This study represents the first time researchers have been able to magnetize stem cells and use them to target affected tissues in this manner.
What’s best is this approach allows for a much more targeted delivery of medication to cancerous tissues.
Why Use Mesenchymal Stem Cells
MSCs have demonstrated a tremendous level of resiliency. The nature of stem cells allows them to differentiate into a number of various cell types and structures.
In this case, the researchers also learned that the MSCs are able to absorb the magnetic microcapsules full of medications without demonstrating toxicity themselves.
References:
Lepik, K. V., Muslimov, A. R., Timin, A. S., Sergeev, V. S., Romanyuk, D. S., Moiseev, I. S., Popova, E. V., Radchenko, I. L., Vilesov, A. D., Galibin, O. V., Sukhorukov, G. B. and Afanasyev, B. V. (2016), Mesenchymal Stem Cell Magnetization: Magnetic Multilayer Microcapsule Uptake, Toxicity, Impact on Functional Properties, and Perspectives for Magnetic Delivery. Adv. Healthcare Mater., 5: 3182–3190. doi:10.1002/adhm.201600843
