Visualuzing and actuating biology with living magnetic contrast

Biomineralization of iron by magnetotactic bacteria leads to living cells with integrated magnetic signals that can be imaged by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic particle imaging (MPI). We have been developing these bacteria as magnetoendosymbionts, to live in the cytoplasm of mammalian cells and exert desired effects with magnetothermal energy as an actuator of biological change. As living magnetic cells, they can be engineered to contain genes with thermosensitive genetic elements such that gene expression can be controlled with changes in temperature. This forms the foundation for controlling the fates and function of mammalian cells with magnetothermal control of cellular programs. This will enable noninvasive guided tissue regeneration to direct the replacement of lost or damaged cells, tissues and organs with image guidance.