Progress in Nano-Biosensors for Non-Invasive Monitoring of Stem Cell Differentiation

Abstract

Non-invasive, non-destructive, and label-free sensing techniques are required to monitor real-time stem cell differentiation. However, conventional analysis methods, such as immunocytochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot, involve invasive processes and are complicated and time-consuming. Unlike traditional cellular sensing methods, electrochemical and optical sensing techniques allow non-invasive qualitative identification of cellular phenotypes and quantitative analysis of stem cell differentiation. In addition, various nano- and micromaterials with cell-friendly properties can greatly improve the performance of existing sensors. This review focuses on nano- and micromaterials that have been reported to improve sensing capabilities, including sensitivity and selectivity, of biosensors towards target analytes associated with specific stem cell differentiation. The information presented aims to motivate further research into nano-and micromaterials with advantageous properties for developing or improving existing nano-biosensors to achieve the practical evaluation of stem cell differentiation and efficient stem cell-based therapies.

Nanosensor Chemical Cytometry: Advances and Opportunities in Cellular Therapy and Precision Medicine

“…These elements can be integrated onto materials of nano-micro scale, including 2D materials such as graphene and MoS 2 , 1D materials including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Si nanowire, and 0D materials including Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). − Optical signal detection through transducers is characterized by a unique interaction between the active site of the transducer and light signals, which arises from distinct physical, chemical, or structural properties, leading to high sensitivity . Optical transducers utilize a range of spectroscopic techniques, including absorption, fluorescence, and Raman scattering. − This approach has been utilized to monitor the differentiation state of stem cells including human neural stem cells (hNSCs) and MSCs by analyzing the presence and quantity of specific molecules in various environments. − Electrical sensors are using conductance or resistance variation between electrodes by adsorption of biochemical molecules on conducting channel materials. − Electrical transducers can detect and quantify a wide range of cellular environmental changes, from pH shifts to the presence of large molecules such as antibodies and proteins. This allows for distinguishing cancer cells, observing stem cell differentiation, and monitoring immune cell activation .…”

Noninvasive, label-free image approaches to predict multimodal molecular markers in pluripotency assessment

“…While the number of cells lost in a single test may not be significant, the cumulative loss of cells becomes considerable when these invasive tests are repeatedly conducted over a long-term cell manufacturing process. These challenges become particularly critical in scenarios where the manufacturing process demands consistent and long-term testing, thereby compounding the challenge of sustainable and efficient production and highlighting the need for noninvasive approaches 8 – 10 . In this study, we focused on image analysis using bright-field microscopy, which is routinely employed to observe cell morphology and detect variations in cellular states.…”

Recent Advances in Stem Cell Differentiation Control Using Drug Delivery Systems Based on Porous Functional Materials

“…However, applying stem cell differentiation without considering the interplay between various differentiation factors and stem cells can pose several challenges. Firstly, stem cells may differentiate into undesired cell types or fail to exhibit proper cellular functions [ 38 , 39 ]. Furthermore, signalling pathways can also serve as catalysts for stem cells to undergo mutations and transform into cancer cells, depending on their regulation [ 40 , 41 , 42 ].…”