Evaluation of the Biocompatibility and Endothelial Differentiation Capacity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Polyethylene Glycol Nanogold Composites

Abstract

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis, where inflammation occurs in the blood vessel wall, are one of the major causes of death worldwide. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)-based treatment coupled with nanoparticles is considered to be a potential and promising therapeutic strategy for vascular regeneration. Thus, angiogenesis enhanced by nanoparticles is of critical concern. In this study, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) incorporated with 43.5 ppm of gold (Au) nanoparticles was prepared for the evaluation of biological effects through in vitro and in vivo assessments. The physicochemical properties of PEG and PEG–Au nanocomposites were first characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFMs). Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species scavenger ability as well as the hydrophilic property of the nanocomposites were also investigated. Afterwards, the biocompatibility and biological functions of the PEG–Au nanocomposites were evaluated through in vitro assays. The thin coating of PEG containing 43.5 ppm of Au nanoparticles induced the least platelet and monocyte activation. Additionally, the cell behavior of MSCs on PEG–Au 43.5 ppm coating demonstrated better cell proliferation, low ROS generation, and enhancement of cell migration, as well as protein expression of the endothelialization marker CD31, which is associated with angiogenesis capacity. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory and endothelial differentiation ability were both evaluated through in vivo assessments. The evidence demonstrated that PEG–Au 43.5 ppm implantation inhibited capsule formation and facilitated the expression of CD31 in rat models. TUNEL assay also indicated that PEG–Au nanocomposites would not induce significant cell apoptosis. The above results elucidate that the surface modification of PEG–Au nanomaterials may enable them to serve as efficient tools for vascular regeneration grafts.

CeO2 and Glucose Oxidase Co-Enriched Ti3C2Tx MXene for Hyperthermia-Augmented Nanocatalytic Cancer Therapy

“…For instance, Wang and co-workers developed AuPtAg-Gox, wherein a synergistic interaction was observed between photothermal therapy (PTT) and GOD, effectively eliminating cancer cells . However, Ti 3 C 2 MXene tends to aggregate in physiological solutions, necessitating surface modification of Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or soybean phospholipid to improve the biocompatibility of these nanosheets. − …”

Differentiation Induction of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by a Au Delivery Platform

“…Our prior publication outlined how using gold nanoparticles modified by graphene oxide was able to enhance mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation toward neuron-like cells [15]. Additionally, the combination of electrostatic spinning fibers with Au nanoparticles was used as a vascular regeneration approach for stem cell therapies [16]. The electrostatic spinning fibers contained synthetics, e.g., poly-ethylene glycol (PEG), as well as natural polymers such as collagen and fibronectin, which are degradable and biocompatible for clinical applications, and mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) to improve biological performances [17].…”