Aim: To expand our understanding on the effect of magnetically actuated biomaterials in stem cells, inflammation and fibrous tissue growth.
Materials & methods: Magnetic biomaterials were obtained by doping iron oxide particles into starch poly-ϵ-caprolactone (SPCL) to create two formulations, magSPCL-1.8 and 3.6. Stem cell behavior was assessed in vitro and the inflammatory response, subcutaneously in Wistar rats.
Results: Metabolic activity and proliferation increased significantly overtime in SPCL and magSPCL-1.8. Electromagnetic fields attenuated the presence of mast cells and macrophages in tissues surrounding SPCL and magSPCL-1.8, between weeks 1 and 9. Macrophage reduction was more pronounced for magSPCL-1.8, which could explain why this material prevented growth of fibrous tissue overtime.
Conclusion: Magnetically actuated biomaterials have potential to modulate inflammation and the growth of fibrous tissue.
Keywords: electromagnetic fields; magnetic responsive biomaterials; regenerative medicine.