Labeling Stem Cells with a New Hybrid Bismuth/Carbon Nanotube Contrast Agent for X-Ray Imaging

Abstract

The poor retention and survival of cells after transplantation to solid tissue represent a major obstacle for the effectiveness of stem cell-based therapies. The ability to track stem cells in vivo can lead to a better understanding of the biodistribution of transplanted cells, in addition to improving the analysis of stem cell therapies’ outcomes. Here, we described the use of a carbon nanotube-based contrast agent (CA) for X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging as an intracellular CA to label bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Porcine MSCs were labeled without observed cytotoxicity. The CA consists of a hybrid material containing ultra-short single-walled carbon nanotubes (20–80 nm in length, US-tubes) and Bi(III) oxo-salicylate clusters which contain four Bi3+ ions per cluster (Bi4C). The CA is thus abbreviated as Bi4C@US-tubes.

Theranostic Applications of Nanostructured Silicate-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Codoped with Eu3+ and Bi3+ Ions—A Novel Strategy for Bone Regeneration

“…CSH composites with 5% of BiFeO 3 improved viability of MC3T3 pre-osteoblast and promoted their differentiation even without magnetic field exposition. Hernández-Rivera et al also described a carbon nanotube-based contrast agent with Bi­(III) oxo-salicylate clusters (Bi 4 C@US-tubes) that promote multipotent stromal cell growth and does not affect cell viability …”

Advance of Electroconductive Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications in Orthopedics

“…Regarding their low bioactivity, dose-and time-dependent cytotoxicity, modification, and compounding are applicable to maintain their homeostasis, enhance their interaction with the biological environment, improve their biocompatibility, and prolong their existence in vivo [34,35]. Besides their electrical conductivity, these metal nanoparticles present surprising functions and properties, respectively, such as antibacterial property, catalytic, imaging, and drug delivery [36][37][38].…”

In vivo CT imaging tracking of stem cells labeled with Au nanoparticles

“…For instance, optical imaging has good imaging sensitivity, while suffering with low tissue penetration depth and resolution 11 . MRI provides a high spatial resolution, but with low sensitivity and long scanning time 12 . PET/SPECT offers high level of sensitivity but with poor spatial resolution 13 .…”

“…11 MRI provides a high spatial resolution, but with low sensitivity and long scanning time. 12 PET/SPECT offers high level of sensitivity but with poor spatial resolution. 13 Compared with other imaging technologies, CT remains the dominant imaging technique in both clinic and research because of its good spatial and temporal resolution, high tissue penetration, low cost, short scanning time, and ease of use.…”