Magnetic Remote Targeting System for Controlling the Activity of Growth Factors

Provides Control of the Distribution and Activity of Growth Factors Used in Tissue Regeneration

These magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and its latent complex accurately target delivery to specific locations and remotely activate or deactivate the growth factor, greatly augmenting the potential of TGF-ß in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Along with other growth factors, TGF-ß has the potential for stimulating and facilitating tissue regeneration in the human body. The global market for tissue regeneration and engineering will reach $56.9 billion in 2019. No available technologies can control the activity of growth factors such as TGF-ß with both spatial and temporal control. This has hindered advancement in the area of tissue regeneration and engineering. When uncontrolled, TGF-ß has the potential to cause such harmful effects as tumorigenesis, fibrotic disease, antherosclerosis, and cancer. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a technology capable of both targeting TGF-ß delivery in specific amounts and locations for remote activation and denaturing the protein as to bring about its deactivation. This allows for remote control over the activity of TGF-ß and holds potential for activating and facilitating tissue regeneration in the human body.

Application

Magnetically actuated, remotely controlled TGF-ß for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Advantages

• Conjugates latent TGF-ß with magnetic nanoparticles, enabling remote control over the targeted delivery, activation, duration, and deactivation of the growth factor
• Controls the activity of TGF-ß, increasing the potential for successful use in tissue regeneration, research, clinical studies, and other technologies
• Establishes a remotely controllable magnetic targeting system, allowing the technique to be extendable to other growth factors

Technology

While growth factors such as TGF-ß are key for tissue regeneration and engineering, inefficient control of growth factor targeting and activity can not only limit tissue generation potential but also lead to negative consequences. Controlling the activity of TGF-ß is essential for progress in the area of tissue regeneration and engineering. In conjugating TGF-ß to magnetic nanoparticles and subjecting the conjugate to a magnetic field, this technology can activate specific amounts of TGF-ß at precise locations in the body. Exposing the conjugate to other magnetic fields will denature the TGF-ß, which will result in deactivation of the growth factor. Researchers are able to manipulate the activity of the TGF-ß remotely through exposure to radiofrequency magnetic fields, providing greater control over the effects brought about by the growth factor.