{"id":7,"date":"2015-11-03T15:53:11","date_gmt":"2015-11-03T20:53:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.eng.ufl.edu\/faculty-site\/?page_id=7"},"modified":"2026-01-08T15:01:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T20:01:50","slug":"research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/dobson-lab\/research\/","title":{"rendered":"Research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Magnetic Activation of Receptor Signaling (MARS) \/ Magnetic Ion Channel Activation (MICA)<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

We have been developing the theoretical and experimental framework for MARS\/MICA since 1995. These novel technologies enable remote of control cell signaling with magnetic nanoparticles for applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, wound healing, and drug discovery. MARS\/MICA consists of two primary approaches.<\/p>\n

In the first approach, magnetic nanoparticles are decorated with targeting molecules and bind to cell surface receptors. Energy is transferred from an external applied magnetic field to the particles, inducing a conformational change in the receptor, activating the associated molecular signaling pathway.<\/p>\n

In the second approach, we are using magnetic nanoparticles to control the activation of signaling molecules such as TGF-beta. Latent TGF-beta is conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles and the transfer of energy from the field to the particle changes the latent complex from \u2018closed\u2019 (sequestering active TGF-beta) to \u2018open\u2019 (releasing active TGF-beta).<\/p>\n

Collaborators<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Prof. Alicia El Haj<\/a> \u2013 Keele University<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    Dobson, J (2008) Remote control of cellular behavior with magnetic nanoparticles. Nature Nanotechnology<\/u><\/em> 3: 139-143.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Kanczler, JM, HS Sura, J Magnay, K Attridge, D Green, ROC Oreffo, J Dobson, AJ El Haj (2010) Controlled Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Using Magnetic Nanoparticle Technology. Tissue Engineering<\/u> <\/em>16: 3241-3250.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Bin, H, AJ El Haj, J Dobson (2013) Receptor-targeted, magneto-mechanical stimulation of osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences<\/u><\/em> 14: 19276-19293.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Monsalve, A, AC Bohorquez, C Rinaldi, J Dobson<\/strong> (2015) Remotely triggered activation of TGF-\u03b2 with magnetic nanoparticles. IEEE Magnetics Letters<\/u><\/em> 6: 1-4.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n

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Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Gene Transfection<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

With the sequencing of the human genome and the advent of gene therapy has come the need to develop effective delivery and transfection agents. These agents must be able to target therapeutic and reporter genes to the relevant cells and organs both in vitro<\/em> for basic investigations as well as in vivo<\/em> for therapeutic applications. Safety concerns over the use of viral vectors have begun to shift the emphasis toward the development of non-viral delivery agents, primarily cationic lipids. Our group has been working on the development of a novel magnetic nanoparticle-based gene transfection systems based on oscillating arrays of magnets. In these \u201cmagnefect\u201d systems, DNA or siRNA is attached to magnetic nanoparticles via charge interactions with the positive, polymer-coated nanoparticle surface. Oscillating arrays of magnets placed underneath a cell culture plate (in the case of in vitro<\/em> transfection) are used to stimulate particle uptake and endosomal escape via the particle motion, improving gene expression or, in the case of siRNA, knockdown. In addition, we are developing novel, high-gradient magnet arrays and new motion control systems to improve efficiency.<\/p>\n

Our in vivo<\/em> work in this area has focused not only on the delivery of nanoparticle\/drug\/gene complexes but also cells. The aim of this work is to load cells with biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles and re-introduce them into the body, using high-gradient magnets to target them to repair sites or tumours. We have successfully enhanced the natural tumour homing ability of human macrophages by loading them with magnetic nanoparticle\/reporter gene complexes. The in vivo <\/em>uptake of these \u201ctherapeutically armed\u201d cells into the non-vascularized, hypoxic cores of solid tumours was enhanced by more than three-fold over non-magnetized cells. We have also used the technology to target human mesenchymal stem cells to tissue repair sites in small animal models.<\/p>\n

Collaborators<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Prof. Chris Batich<\/a> – University of Florida<\/p>\n

Prof. Claire Lewis<\/a> & Dr. Munitta Muthana<\/a> – Sheffield University<\/p>\n

Prof. Helen Byrne<\/a> – Oxford University<\/p>\n

Dr. Jenson Lim<\/a> – University of Stirling (Scotland)<\/span><\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    McBain, S, U Griesenbach, S Xenariou, A Keramane, CD Batich, EWFW Alton, J Dobson (2008) Magnetic nanoparticles as gene delivery agents: enhanced transfection in the presence of oscillating magnet arrays. Nanotechnology<\/u> <\/em>19: 405102 (5pp).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Lim, J, MA Clements, J Dobson (2012) Delivery of short interfering ribonucleic acid-complexed magnetic nanoparticles in an oscillating field occurs via caveolae-mediated endocytosis. PLoS ONE<\/u><\/em> 7(12): e51350.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Fouriki, A & J Dobson (2014) Non-viral, nanomagnetic gene transfection of human mesenchymal stem cells. Nanomedicine<\/u><\/em> 9: 989-997.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Muthana, M, AJ Kennerley, J Richardson, M Paul, C Murdoch, S Lunj, R Hughes, F Morrow, N Farrow, J Dobson, J Wild, C Lewis (2015) Targeting cell-based therapies to tissue using Magnetic Resonance Targeting. Nature Communications<\/u><\/em> 6: 8009, 11pp.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n

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Brain Iron and Neurodegenerative Disease<\/span><\/h3>\n

Over the past 15 years our group has pioneered synchrotron x-ray and Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetomoetry-based detection techniques in order to quantify, characterize and map specific iron compounds in neurodegenerative tissue. We have identified and characterized previously unknown iron compounds associated with Alzheimer\u2019s disease and Parkinson\u2019s disease and have shown that iron accumulation related to neurodegenerative disease is inhomogeneous within diseased tissue, and is associated with specific disease structures, such as AD plaques. In 2001, we were the first to propose that mishandling of iron by ferritin may result in the formation of magnetic iron oxides such as magnetite in these diseases, and that those iron oxides may be detectable via MRI as early biomarkers of AD. We have also shown that iron and mis-folded AD proteins interact in a way that produces magnetic iron compounds. This work aims to provide a better understanding of the role of disrupted iron homeostasis in neurodegenerative diseases and to guide the development of chelation therapies. More recently, data from these studies has been used by us and other groups in the continuing development of MRI-based diagnostic techniques, which aim to use iron compounds formed due to neurodegenerative diseases as a biomarker.<\/p>\n

Collaborators<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Neil Telling<\/a> – Keele University<\/p>\n

Prof. Quentin Pankhurst<\/a> – University College London<\/p>\n

Dr. Joanna Collingwood<\/a> – Warwick University<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    Dobson, J (2001) Nanoscale biogenic iron oxides and neurodegenerative disease. FEBS Lett.<\/u><\/em> 496: 1-5.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Dobson, J<\/strong>, Davidson, M, K White, Y Chen, Systems and methods for detecting the presence of anomalous material within tissue. EU Patent No. 2753240, Japan No. 6084976. Australia No. 61\/531,276, US Notice of Allowance. <\/em>(Others Pending \u2013 Filed: September 6, 2011).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Collingwood, JF, A Mikhailova, M Davidson, C Batich, WJ Streit, J Terry, J Dobson (2005) In-situ <\/em>characterization and mapping of iron compounds in Alzheimer\u2019s tissue. J. Alzhiemer\u2019s Disease<\/u><\/em> 7: 267-272.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Everett, J, E. C\u00e9spedes, LR Shelford, C Exley, JF Collingwood, J Dobson<\/strong>, G van der Laan, CA Jenkins, E Arenholz, ND Telling (2014) Evidence of redox-active iron formation following aggregation of ferrihydrite and the Alzheimer\u2019s disease peptide b-amyloid. Inorganic Chemistry<\/u><\/em> 53: 2803-2809.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n

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Device Design\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

To support our experimental work on biomedical applications of magnetic particles, our lab has been active in designing and developing new hardware for these applications. Devices such as our MICA Magnetic Force Bioreactor for MARS\/MICA work, the magneTherm radiofrequency coil system, and the magnefect-nano MNP-based transfection system have formed the foundation of three spin-off companies commercializing technology from our lab – nanoTherics, MICA BioSystems, and 42Bio. We are also designing novel, high-gradient magnet arrays and systems for magnetic separation and targeting applications. Through the commercialization of this technology, these devices are now in use in dozens of laboratories around the world.<\/p>\n

Collaborators<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Neil Farrow<\/a> – Nanoscience Laboratories (UK)<\/p>\n

Prof. Chris Batich<\/a> – University of Florida<\/p>\n

Prof. Peter McFetridge<\/a> – University of Florida<\/p>\n

Dr. Mark Davidson<\/a> – Tech Toybox<\/p>\n

Prof. Alicia El Haj<\/a> \u2013 Keele University<\/p>\n

Patents<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    El Haj AJ and J Dobson (2008) Culturing tissue using magnetically generated mechanical stress. U.S. Patent No. 7,553,662; E.U. Patent No. 1,343,872; others granted and pending<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Dobson J<\/strong> and AJ El Haj (2013) Stem cell targeting and activation using magnetic nanoparticles. US Patent No. 8,469,034<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Dobson J<\/strong> and CD Batich (2010) Gene Delivery. U.S. Patent No. <\/em>8,232,102; European Patent No. EP-1,885,450<\/em>; Singapore Patent No. 136,675; Australian Patent No. <\/em>2006238697 (Others Pending)<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Dobson J<\/strong>, I Finger-Baker. Magnetic separation system and devices. US <\/em>Provisional Patent Pending<\/em> (No. 62\/335103 & 62\/3873088 & 62\/398064 \u2013 Filed: Sept. 22, 2016).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n

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Magnetic Micro- and Nanoparticle Synthesis & Functionalization<\/span><\/h3>\n

Our group is also active in the development of techniques for the synthesis of novel magnetic nanoparticles and their surface functionalization for, and performance in, biomedical applications. This work focuses on producing particles with enhanced magnetic properties and\/or surface chemistry for cell receptor targeting, DNA\/siRNA loading, and MRI contrast. I originally proposed the use of w\/o microemulsion for producing iron oxide nanoparticle cores with tailored silica shell coatings. These particles were synthesized by colleagues Dr. Weihong Tan<\/a> and Dr. Swadeshmukul Santra<\/a> and the results were published in Langmuir. In addition, we synthesized and characterized early versions of dextran and PVA-coated iron oxides and developed particles for cell receptor targeting and DNA transfection. These particles have been characterized via a variety of techniques including High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy and Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometry.<\/p>\n

Collaborators<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Prof. Peter McFetridge<\/a> – University of Florida<\/p>\n

Prof. Carlos Rinaldi<\/a> – University of Florida<\/p>\n

Prof. Blanka Sharma<\/a> – University of Florida<\/p>\n

Prof. Tim St. Pierre<\/a> – University of Western Australia<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    Pardoe, H, W Chua-anusorn, TG St. Pierre, J Dobson (2001) Structural and magnetic properties of nanoscale magnetic particles synthesised by coprecipitation of iron oxide in the presence of dextran or polyvinyl alcohol. J. Magn. Magn. Mat.<\/u><\/em> 225: 41-46.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Yiu, HHP, SC McBain, ZAD Lethbridge, MR Lees, J Dobson (2010) Preparation and characterization of polyethyleneimine(PEI) coated Fe3<\/sub>O4<\/sub>-MCM-48 nanocomposite particles as a novel agent for magnet assisted transfection (MATra). J. Biomed. Materials Res. A<\/u> <\/em>92: 386-392.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Tonello, S, MC Moore, B Sharma, J Dobson<\/strong>, PS McFetridge (2016) Controlled release of a heterogeneous human placental matrix from PLGA microparticles to modulate angiogenesis. Drug Delivery and Translational Research<\/u><\/em>. 6: 174-183.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Cruz-Acu\u00f1a, M, L Maldonado-Camargo, J Dobson<\/strong>, C Rinaldi (2016) From oleic acid-capped iron oxide nanoparticles to covalently linked polyethyleneimine single-particle magnetofectins. Journal of Nanoparticle Research<\/u><\/em> 18: 268 (14 pp).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n

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Magnetic Nanoparticle-based Tools for OA Diagnosis<\/span><\/h3>\n

In collaboration with Prof. Kyle Allen<\/a>, we are developing a novel magnetic nanoparticle-based technology for collection and analysis of osteoarthritis biomarkers. Using this\u00a0technology, it is possible to collect OA biomarkers directly from a joint without the need to remove joint fluid.\u00a0 In the future, this technology may enable the collection of diagnostic biomarkers from small joints affected by OA, such as the hand, and allow treatments to be tailored to the specific mediators within a joint. We are also developing the technology as a rapid and simple surrogate measure for synovial fluid viscosity.<\/p>\n

Collaborators<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Prof. Kyle Allen<\/a> – University of Florida<\/p>\n

Prof. Carlos Rinaldi<\/a> – University of Florida<\/p>\n

Prof. David Arnold<\/a> – University of Florida<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    Garraud, A, B Kozissnik, C Velez, EG Yarmola, L Maldonado-Camargo, C Rinaldi, KD Allen, J Dobson, DP Arnold (2014) Collection of magnetic particles from synovial fluid using Nd-Fe-B micromagnets. Proc. Design, Test, Integration and Packaging of MEMS\/MOEMS Symposium<\/u><\/em> (DTIP 2014<\/em>)<\/u>, Cannes, France, April 2014, pp. 97-102.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Garraud, A, C Velez, Y Shah, N Garraud, B Kozissnik, EG Yarmola, KD Allen, J Dobson<\/strong>, DP Arnold (2016) Investigation of the capture of magnetic particles from high-viscosity fluids using permanent magnets. IEEE Transaction on Biomedical Engineering<\/u><\/em> 63: 372-378.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Yarmola, EG, Y Shah, DP Arnold, J Dobson<\/strong>, KD Allen (2016) Magnetic capture of osteoarthritis biomarkers. Annals of Biomedical Engineering<\/u><\/em> 44: 1159-1169.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Shah, YY, L Maldonado-Camargo, NS Patel, A Biedrzycki, EG Yarmola, J Dobson<\/strong>, C Rinaldi, KD Allen (2017) Magnetic particle translation as a surrogate measure for synovial fluid mechanics. Journal of Biomechanics<\/u><\/em> In Press.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n

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Magnetic Activation of Receptor Signaling (MARS) \/ Magnetic Ion Channel Activation (MICA) We have been developing the theoretical and experimental framework for MARS\/MICA since 1995. These novel technologies enable remote of control cell signaling with magnetic nanoparticles for applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, wound healing, and drug discovery. MARS\/MICA consists of two primary approaches. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":178,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/page-sidebar-none.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"featured_post":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-7","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/dobson-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/dobson-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/dobson-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/dobson-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/178"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/dobson-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/dobson-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":676,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/dobson-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7\/revisions\/676"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/dobson-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}