A Topologically Engineered Gold Island for Programmed In Vivo Stem Cell Manipulation

Even a well-designed system can only control stem cell adhesion, release, and differentiation, while other cell manipulations such as in situ labeling and retention in target tissues, are difficult to achieve in the same system. Herein, native ligand cluster-mimicking islands, composed of topologically engineered ligand, anchoring point AuNP, nuclease mimetics Ce-IV complexes and magnetic core Fe3O4, are designed to facilitate comprehensive cell manipulations in a programmable manner. Three islands with different amounts of AuNPs are constructed, which means tunable interligand spacing within a cluster. These nanostructures are chemically coupled to a substrate using DNA tethers. Under a tissue-penetrative magnetic field, this integrated system promotes stein cell adhesion, proliferation, mechanosensing, differentiation, detachment, in situ effective magnetic labeling and retention both in vitro and in vivo, offering fascinating opportunities for a biomimetic matrix in regenerative medicine.

Automated summary

This study designs a programmable system with biomimetic ligand cluster-mimicking islands, which enables comprehensive cell manipulations such as adhesion, differentiation, and retention. By varying the amount of AuNPs in the islands, the interligand spacing within a cluster can be tunable. The integrated system shows promising results in promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and labeling both in vitro and in vivo, providing fascinating opportunities for regenerative medicine.