Modulated nanowire scaffold for highly efficient differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND: Nanotopographical cues play a critical role as drivers of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Nanowire scaffolds, in this regard, provide unique and adaptable nanostructured surfaces with focal points for adhesion and with elastic properties determined by nanowire stiffness. RESULTS: We show that a scaffold of nanowires, which are remotely actuated by a magnetic field, mechanically stimulates mesenchymal stem cells. Osteopontin, a marker of osteogenesis onset, was expressed after cells were cultured for 1 week on top of the scaffold. Applying a magnetic field significantly boosted differentiation due to mechanical stimulation of the cells by the active deflection of the nanowire tips. The onset of differentiation was reduced to 2 days of culture based on the upregulation of several osteogenesis markers. Moreover, this was observed in the absence of any external differentiation factors. CONCLUSIONS: The magneto-mechanically modulated nanosurface enhanced the osteogenic differentiation capabilities of mesenchymal stem cells, and it provides a customizable tool for stem cell research and tissue engineering. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01488-5.