Multi-modal transfection agent based on monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles for stem cell gene delivery and tracking

Micron-sized iron oxide-containing particles for microRNA-targeted manipulation and MRI-based tracking of transplanted cells

“…They conjugated a siRNA targeting b2 microglobulin to the particle surface and showed these particles temporarily protected transplanted islet cells from immune rejection in rats [23]. As another example, Park et al used 40-nm cationic polymers to construct a multi-modal MRI and optical transfection agent for gene delivery and cell tracking [8]. However, these nanometer-scaled systems have two downsides.…”

“…Cell-based therapies are generally based on the infusion of cells followed by local interaction with the recipient, i.e., secretion of specific molecules, targeting of host cells, or integration into the host organism. Based on these principles, the major challenges for cell-based therapies include non-invasively tracking the transplanted cells in the recipient [6] and manipulating the transplanted cells to direct their differentiation or enhance their therapeutic efficacy [7,8]. Ideally, monitoring and manipulation of transplanted cells could be combined in one multimodal system, and several methods for observing cell implants in a recipient have been described.…”

Polymeric Nanostructures for Imaging and Therapy

“…315 SPION- and catechol-functionalized polypeptides were covalently conjugated with rhodamine-labeled PEI, which electrostatically binds to negatively-charged pDNA. The nanoparticles were successfully transfected into the stem cells, and the transfected cells were transplanted into mice and visualized with optical and MR imaging over 14 days.…”

Monitoring/Imaging and Regenerative Agents for Enhancing Tissue Engineering Characterization and Therapies

“…For example, one study used polypeptide-coated, fluorescently labeled IONPs to show in vivo transfection and tracking of MSCs using multimodal MR/optical imaging. 138 Magnetofection can enhance transfection by pulling the genes toward the target cells when an external magnetic field is applied. 42,142 A magnetofection study using PEG-coated IONPs crosslinked with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pDNA showed elevated VEGF production from rat MSCs for cerebral ischemia therapy (Fig.…”