journal article·2026-03Open access

Hybrid Microdiscs for Magnetically Induced Non‐Cytotoxic Thermal Actuation and Programmable Biomolecule Delivery

Daniela Iglesias‐Rojas, Danny Villanueva, Jon Mentxaka‐Salgado, Nerea Lete, Ane Olazagoitia‐Garmendia, Eduardo Fernández, Iñaki Orue, Alfredo García‐Arribas, Maria Luisa Fdez‐Gubieda, Ainara Castellanos‐Rubio, Robert Morel, Bernard Dieny, Maite Insausti, Idoia Castellanos‐Rubio

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 36· Issue 18

Abstract

Abstract A modular microfabrication strategy is presented for developing multifunctional magnetic microdiscs (MDs) with structural control and tunable composition. Combining photolithography with layer‐by‐layer assembly, this approach enables the fabrication of perfectly flat microdiscs with nanometric thickness. By selecting distinct lithographic methods, the disc diameter is tailored to modulate cellular interaction: large discs (≈18 µm) remain at the cell surface, while smaller ones (≈1.5 µm) are readily internalized. This dimensional tunability defines whether the platform operates extracellularly or intracellularly. Both microdisc types show excellent biocompatibility (at 4 MD‐18/cell and 3000 MD‐1.5/cell) and deliver spatially confined, non‐cytotoxic heating (AFM = 677 kHz, 25 mT, 1 h). These features support their use not for thermal ablation but for magnetothermal stimulation or enhanced molecular delivery. The fabrication method allows independent control of the inorganic thin film, polymeric layers, magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) content, and biomolecular payloads. Integrating Fe 3 O 4 MNPs of optimized size and shape maximizes magnetic responsiveness. Additionally, BSA‐loaded microdiscs are fabricated to illustrate the system's potential for programmable biomolecule delivery using the HCT116 cell line. Time‐lapse assays reveal efficient uptake dynamics, with protein loading influencing internalization. These hybrid MDs combine adjustable design and predictable uptake, offering strong potential for next‐generation magnetically actuated biomedical strategies.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Nanofabrication and Lithography Techniques · Micro and Nano Robotics · Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Dpto. Química Orgánica e Inorgánica Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología UPV/EHU Barrio Sarriena s/n Leioa 48940 Spain

Dpto. Electricidad y Electrónica Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología UPV/EHU Barrio Sarriena s/n Leioa 48940 Spain

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology UPV/EHU Barrio Sarriena s/n Leioa 48940 Spain

Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute Barakaldo 48903 Spain

ULB Center for Diabetes Research Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Bruxelles 1050 Belgium

BC Materials Basque Center for Materials Applications and Nanostructures Barrio Sarriena s/n Leioa 48940 Spain

SGIker, Servicios Generales de Investigación UPV/EHU Leioa 48940 Spain

Department of Genetics Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Leioa 48940 Spain

Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas CIBERDEM Instituto de Salud Carlos III Madrid 28029 Spain

Ikerbasque Basque Foundation for Science Bilbao 48013 Spain

Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA CNRS Grenoble INP IRIG SPINTEC Grenoble 38000 France

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