Endothelialization of magnetic graft materials using SPION-labeled endothelial cells

Seeding vascular grafts with autologous endothelial cells (EC) has been shown to improve in vivo patency, but high cost and development time have prevented widespread clinical use. A technique for loading EC with superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanospheres (SPIONs) was recently described. SPION-loaded EC experience magnetic attractive forces in the presence of sufficient magnetic field gradients. Using a multi-factorial design of experiments approach, the quantity and spatial distribution of magnetizable metal particles within a poly (ether urethane) matrix were systematically varied to produce unique material specimens. Specimens were seeded with SPION-loaded ECs, and cell coverage was quantified at various post-seeding time intervals using micrographic image analysis. The effects of changing design parameters on cell capture and sustained cell viability on magnetic substrates were statistically examined. Magnetized ferrites and samarium cobalt demonstrated cell capture, though cytotoxicity prevented sustained cell growth. Cobalt chromium substrates showed effective cell capture and growth to near complete confluence for up to one month.