Construction of magnetic nanochains to achieve magnetic energy coupling in scaffold.

BACKGROUND

FeO nanoparticles are highly desired for constructing endogenous magnetic microenvironment in scaffold to accelerate bone regeneration due to their superior magnetism. However, their random arrangement easily leads to mutual consumption of magnetic poles, thereby weakening the magnetic stimulation effect.

METHODS

In this study, magnetic nanochains are synthesized by magnetic-field-guided interface co-assembly of FeO nanoparticles. In detail, multiple FeO nanoparticles are aligned along the direction of magnetic force lines and are connected in series to form nanochain structures under an external magnetic field. Subsequently, the nanochain structures are covered and fixed by depositing a thin layer of silica (SiO), and consequently forming linear magnetic nanochains (FeO@SiO). The FeO@SiO nanochains are then incorporated into poly l-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffold prepared by selective laser sintering technology.

RESULTS

The results show that the FeO@SiO nanochains with unique core-shell structure are successfully constructed. Meanwhile, the orderly assembly of nanoparticles in the FeO@SiO nanochains enable to form magnetic energy coupling and obtain a highly magnetic micro-field. The in vitro tests indicate that the PLLA/FeO@SiO scaffolds exhibit superior capacity in enhancing cell activity, improving osteogenesis-related gene expressions, and inducing cell mineralization compared with PLLA and PLLA/FeO scaffolds.

CONCLUSION

In short, the FeO@SiO nanochains endow scaffolds with good magnetism and cytocompatibility, which have great potential in accelerating bone repair.