Magnetically powered helical hydrogel motor for macrophage delivery

Abstract Immune cell therapy, holds immense promise for immune regulation and major disease combating. The precise transport and controlled release of immune cells to the target diseased site is a promising yet challenging topic. Herein, we proposed that melamine-crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/iron oxide hydrogel motor platform with sufficient live M1-like macrophage (M1Φ) cells cultured inside, can represent a novel approach for active and targeted immune cell therapy. The M1 macrophages-loaded motors could precisely navigate to the designated site using a low-strength rotating magnetic field and actively release cells with an external ultrasound trigger. The system indicates excellent potential for precise immune cell therapy.