A Nanoparticle-based Sensor Platform for Cell Tracking and Status/Function Assessment

Abstract

Nanoparticles are increasingly popular choices for labeling and tracking cells in biomedical applications such as cell therapy. However, all current types of nanoparticles fail to provide real-time, noninvasive monitoring of cell status and functions while often generating false positive signals. Herein, a nanosensor platform to track the real-time expression of specific biomarkers that correlate with cell status and functions is reported. Nanosensors are synthesized by encapsulating various sensor molecules within biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles. Upon intracellular entry, nanosensors reside within the cell cytoplasm, serving as a depot to continuously release sensor molecules for up to 30 days. In the absence of the target biomarkers, the released sensor molecules remain ‘Off’. When the biomarker(s) is expressed, a detectable signal is generated (On). As a proof-of-concept, three nanosensor formulations were synthesized to monitor cell viability, secretion of nitric oxide, and β-actin mRNA expression.

Emulsion Techniques for the Production of Pharmacological Nanoparticles

“…Yeo et al have developed nanosensors of PLGA nanoparticles with encapsulated calcein acetomethoxy ester (CAM). Nanoparticle surface was functionalized with cationic poly(L‐lysine) for an efficient endocytosis . Generally, CAM is a weak fluorescent molecule, but it is converted into a strong fluorescent molecule in the presence of esterase.…”

The effect of temporal manipulation of transforming growth factor beta 3 and fibroblast growth factor 2 on the derivation of proliferative chondrocytes from mensenchymal stem cells—A study monitored by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and molecular beacon based nanosensors

“…For a more efficient and effective screening procedures, MB‐NPs were utilized. Not only do MB‐NPs enable real‐time detection of intracellular mRNA, multiple targets can be monitored longitudinally in the same sample for a period of 28 days without disruption . Confocal fluorescence images taken at weekly timepoints were quantified to understand the trend of both Col2 and Ki67 signals.…”

Biologically Inspired Bio-Cyber Interface Architecture and Model for Internet of Bio-NanoThings Applications

“…Such a nanosensor can be designed by using a whole-cell [27][28][29] or sensor molecules entrapped in a chemically inert matrix [30]. A mathematical model can be built for the nanosensor by taking into consideration the biochemical kinetics associated with its operation.…”