Negative magnetophoresis guided unidirectional cell patterning on culture surface

Abstract

Cell patterning is a significant tool in tissue engineering, enabling the directed deposition of cells into specific locations to achieve biological relevance. Conventional cell patterning techniques often involve time-consuming modifications or bioprinting, potentially affecting cell viability. This study presents a novel, single-step magnetic patterning system for label-free linear cell patterning using negative magnetophoresis. A custom magnetic system and culture chamber enabled the rapid (3 h) imprinting of cells on a surface without substrate modification. This approach achieved linear patterns with a thickness of ∼1 mm using a safe concentration of a paramagnetic agent (5 mM Gadolinium chelate, Gadobutrol). The patterns maintained structural integrity for 48 h and were successfully combined with osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation protocols. This cost-effective and contactless manipulation technique holds promise for diverse applications in tissue engineering, drug discovery, and fundamental cell biology research.