Regensburg 2019 – scientific programme

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MA: Fachverband Magnetismus

MA 27: PhD Focus Session: Biogenic spin phenomena (joint session MA/AKjDPG)

MA 27.4: Invited Talk

Wednesday, April 3, 2019, 11:35–11:55, H38

Magnetic Manipulation of Cellular Processes using Biofunctional Nanoparticles — •Cornelia Monzel — Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany

Remote control of cellular functions is a key challenge in biomedical research. Only a few tools are currently capable of manipulating cellular processes at distance and at spatio-temporal scales matching their natural activity pattern. A promising approach, often referred to as ``Magnetogenetics'', is based on the use of magnetic fields, in conjunction with targeted biofunctional magnetic nanoparticles. The key idea of this approach is to exploit the capacity of magnetic nanoparticles (i) to be spatially displaced, (ii) to mediate mechanical forces or (iii) to heat their environment on nanometer scales. By coupling magnetic nanoparticles to biomolecules which respond to one of these modes of stimulation ((i)-(iii)), a cellular process is triggered whenever the external magnetic field is applied. In this talk, I will highlight recent achievements in the development of ``Magnetogenetics'', I will provide examples of suitable magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic fields, and will show how these are used to manipulate various functions of cells. If time permits, I will comment on future advancements of magnetic actuation as versatile tool for fundamental research and its exciting prospects for nano- and regenerative medicine. This work is supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Programme FET Open (Magneuron, Grant 686841) and Volkswagen Foundation (Freigeist-Fellowship, Az: 94195).