This study presents a strategy to enhance the uptake of superparamagnetic iron oxide
nanoparticle (SPIO) clusters by manipulating the cellular mechanical environment.
Specifically, stem cells exposed to an orbital flow ingested almost a 2-fold greater amount of
SPIO clusters than those cultured statically. Improvements in magnetic resonance (MR)
contrast were subsequently achieved for labeled cells in collagen gels and a mouse model.
Overall, this strategy will serve to improve the efficiency of cell tracking and therapies.