Real-Time Observation and Analysis of Magnetomechanical Actuation of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Cells.

Abstract

The origin of cell death in the magnetomechanical actuation of cells induced by magnetic nanoparticle motion under low-frequency magnetic fields is still elusive. Here, a miniaturized electromagnet fitted under a confocal microscope is used to observe in real time cells specifically targeted by superparamagnetic nanoparticles and exposed to a low-frequency rotating magnetic field. Our analysis reveals that the lysosome membrane is permeabilized in only a few minutes after the start of magnetic field application, concomitant with lysosome movements toward the nucleus. Those events are associated with disorganization of the tubulin microtubule network and a change in cell morphology. This miniaturized electromagnet will allow a deeper insight into the physical, molecular, and biological process occurring during the magnetomechanical actuation of magnetic nanoparticles.