Seoul National University of Science and Technology team develops 3D cell tissue assembly using magnetic RNA building blocks

A research team at Seoul National University of Science and Technology has pioneered a new method for constructing 3D cell tissues, offering enhanced precision and reproducibility in creating spheroids. These spheroids are vital for applications in tissue engineering, disease modeling, and drug screening.

The breakthrough, led by Professor Lee Jong-beom and detailed in the journal 'Biomaterials', introduces a novel platform that combines magnetic RNA building blocks (RBBs) with cell building blocks (CBBs). This modular assembly strategy allows researchers to precisely control the position and arrangement of 3D cell structures using external magnetic fields. The RBBs are designed with magnetic properties and can selectively bind to cell surfaces through a bioorthogonal click chemistry reaction.

This innovative approach overcomes limitations of existing spheroid production methods, which often struggle with uniformity in size and shape, structural control, and biocompatibility. The RBB-driven platform has demonstrated its ability to produce spheroids with uniform 3D structures and high cell viability across various cell lines, including those from cervical cancer, liver cancer, and melanoma. Furthermore, spheroids created with RBBs exhibit superior structural stability and mechanical strength compared to those made with conventional techniques.

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This study expands RNA from a simple carrier of genetic information to a functional biomaterial that can directly bind to cells, be controlled by magnetic fields, and be degraded when necessary.

The technology extends beyond simple cell aggregation, enabling the spatial arrangement of different cell types to create heterogeneous modular spheroids. The external magnetic field can guide spheroid movement and pattern their arrangement into specific structures, such as rings. The RBBs are also biodegradable, breaking down in physiological conditions after assembly, which allows for the removal of residual magnetic scaffolds.

In vivo studies have further validated the platform's potential. An animal model comparing dispersed cells, conventional spheroids, and modular spheroids showed that the modular spheroids offered greater structural stability and engraftment, leading to higher efficiency in forming tumor models. Professor Lee Jong-beom highlighted the significance of the research, stating, "This study expands RNA from a simple carrier of genetic information to a functional biomaterial that can directly bind to cells, be controlled by magnetic fields, and be degraded when necessary." He anticipates it will become a key platform for creating precise 3D cell structures in fields like cancer modeling, drug screening, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

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It will develop into a key platform for creating precise 3D cell structures in fields like cancer modeling, drug screening, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.