Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been used to label and track stem cells. These nanoparticles can be internalized by stem cells and do not affect their viability, proliferation or differentiation capabilities. Labeled stem cells can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging both in vitro and in vivo. This non-invasive technique allows localization and analysis of stem cell interactions and distributions, providing valuable information for advancing stem cell therapies.

1. Xarrin Sindhu

2. Stem Cell Imaging Using
Nanoparticles
Nanotechnology expansive pace of
progress
Tracking distribution of stem cells
crucial regarding their therapeutic use
distinguishing cellular origination from a
cell source
development of noninvasive techniques
to trace therapeutic stem cells

3. A non-invasive technique
One such method is the use of:
superparamagnetic
nanoparticles
coated with
polymer shell
has been
used to track
transplanted
stem cells.
as contrast agents for
magnetic resonance (MR)
imaging

4. Video Demonstration

5. Stem cell labelling techniquesConventionaltechniques
• rely on the
surface
attachment of
magnetic beads
(with size from
100 nm to m)
Latesttechniques
• Super para
magnetic nano
particles coated
with a polymer
shell magnetic
resonance (MR)
imaging

6. Drawbacks
Conventional
methods are
efficient for in
vitro cell
separation
1
cell surface unsuitable for
in vivo use due to rapid
recognition and clearance
of labeled cells in the
reticuloendothelial system
2

7. New technique
short HIV-Tat peptides are used to derive super
paramagnetic nanoparticles up to 10–30 pg of
superparamagnetic iron per cell.
Iron incorporation does not affect cell viability,
differentiation, or proliferation of CD34þ cells.
particles are efficiently internalized into hematopoietic
and neural progenitor cells
tissue homed to the bone marrow and single cells
could be detected by magnetoresonance imaging in
the tissue samples.

8. Video Demonstration

9. Mechanism
Magnetic separation columns
recover magnetically labeled
cells homed to the bone
marrow

10. Inference
Localization and retrieval of
cell populations in vivo
enable the detailed analysis
of specific stem cell and
organ interactions critical for
advancing the therapeutic
use of stem cells

11. Additional study
superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were
fabricated and optimized to exhibit superior
magnetic properties
Human neural stem cells and MSCs were labeled in
vitro by using these novel particles
found to retain proliferation
and differentiation
capabilities
analyzed
in vitro and

12. Image displays the 1000s of iron oxide nanoparticles (yellow) inside a single stem cell,
which ‘light up’ on MRI scans.
This technique has the potential to monitor stem cells' integration into human tumours.

13. So…
• Super paramagnetic
iron oxide
nanoparticles were
fabricated and
optimized to exhibit
superior magnetic
properties.
• Human neural stem
cells and MSCs
were labeled in
vitro by using these
novel particles,
analyzed in vitro,
and found to retain
proliferation and
differentiation
capabilities

14. Example
Rat neural stem cells were
differentiated into oligodendroglial
progenitors
both lateral ventricles of myelin basic protein–
deficient neonatal rats.
injected into
and

15. Cont’d
The cells were found in vivo by using an animal MR imaging
unit for 6 weeks post transplantation.
The labeled cells were able to induce new myelin formation;
Thus, labeling by nano particles does not alter the
differentiation and therapeutic potentials of stem cells

16. What else nano imaging offers ?
Another field of stem-cell research in which
nanoparticles are used to track cells by in vivo imaging
has great importance in MSC-based myocardium
dysfunction therapy.
Labeled porcine MSCs retained in vitro viability and
proliferation and differentiation capabilities, as well as in
vivo viability after allogeneic transplantation.

17. Result of MSC based therapy
The labeled MSCs demonstrated useful contrast
characteristics; one could distinguish labeled MSCs from
unlabeled MSCs in vitro and in fresh myocardial tissue
The contrast proved satisfactory within normal or infarcted
myocardium, both of which may be targeted in future MSC
therapies
A minimal detectable quantity of cells (105 cells=injection)
was located using conventional cardiac MR imaging, which
was performed on a commercial imaging unit.

18. Cont’d
In this preliminary experience, the authors
observed iron fluorophore particles (IFP)–
containing cells with a preserved nuclear
structure that had elongated and aligned
with host myocardial fibers.
Whether the labeled MSCs indeed migrate,
differentiate, and improve myocardial
function after transplantation remains to be
demonstrated in longer-term studies in which
careful control groups are used

19. Discussion

20. Stem cell benefits
encouraged intense interest in using these for different
therapeutic applications
But still
several problems must still be resolved before
stem-cell technology can advance to the clinical
setting

21. Hurdles
To date, no scaffold material has been deemed optimal for
specific use in tissue engineering
stem cells on scaffolds composed of degradable fibers with
nanometric diameters––fibers that resemble the collagen
fibers inhabiting the ECM
One suggestion
Copy
nature’s
method

22. Discussion
Once we have answered the questions of which scaffold
and delivery vector are optimal, we will be able to:
create new tissue
However, this leads us to another question: will this
newly formed tissue function in the same manner as the
tissue it is supposed to replace?
To answer this, we must perform a variety of tests,
including biochemical, electrophysiological, and
biomechanical analyses.

23. Cont’d
In some research models, the newly formed tissue is too small
to be examined using conventional analytical methods

24. Cont’d
In the analysis of new bone tissue derived
from genetically engineered MSCs
nanobiomechanical analyses of other
skeletal tissues as well as individual cells
and ECM molecules.
Such methods
can be applied
to

25. Prenominal
Understanding the intrinsic biomechanical
parameters of engineered tissue can lead to :
optimization of the engineering process and
The production of functional tissue replacements for the
skeleton.

26. Considerations before implants
Finally, the question of bio distribution constantly arises
within the context of cell therapy.
The adverse effect of implanted cells that have found
their way to distant organs rather than to the target
organ should be considered in every therapeutic
protocol.

27. What else can be done with
nanoparticles?
Specific nano particles have been developed for
noninvasive monitoring of cell distribution within the
body.
These particles can also be used to monitor stem-cell
survival post implantation
and to inform us of whether these cells are only required
as inducers of tissue regeneration
or play a long-term role in the generation of new tissue.

28. Conclusion

29. Conclusion
Nanotechnologies are beginning to be implemented as
analytical and production tools in stem cell–based
therapeutic approaches.
Only a few tools available in the field of nanoscience have
been made available to advance the use of stem cells in
medicine

30. L'avenir
The gap between scientists
traditionally involved in
nanoscience and scientists
dealing with biotechnology will
be bridged during the coming
years, leading to an increased
use of nanotools in biomedicine.

31. The future looks bright…
We envision the application of nanotechnology in studies of:
cell–
scaffold
interactions
cell–matrix
interactions
cell
preservation
monitoring

32. Totally radical future
No doubt, this will drive stem-cell therapy closer to
clinical application in human beings.