A catalase-magnetic switch for cell proliferation

The advance of novel biotechnology requires the development of versatile control systems for cell behavior. Towards the vision of cell growth control, we report a magnetic switching in cell proliferation by a catalase–nanomagnetite complex. The system synergically exploits both the ability of catalase to scavenge cell-generated hydrogen peroxide, a messenger involved in cell cycle regulation, and magnetite manipulation to modulate cell proliferation between arrest and growth using magnetic fields. This ON/OFF switch methodology could constitute the basis of new classes of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies as well as novel integrated responsive biomaterials.