Quantum Dots Do Not Alter the Differentiation Potential of Pancreatic Stem Cells and Are Distributed Randomly among Daughter Cells

Abstract

With the increasing relevance of cell-based therapies, there is a demand for cell-labeling techniques for in vitro and in vivo studies. For the reasonable tracking of transplanted stem cells in animal models, the usage of quantum dots (QDs) for sensitive cellular imaging has major advances. QDs could be delivered to the cytoplasm of the cells providing intense and stable fluorescence. Although QDs are emerging as favourable nanoparticles for bioimaging, substantial investigations are still required to consider their application for adult stem cells. Therefore, rat pancreatic stem cells (PSCs) were labeled with different concentrations of CdSe quantum dots (Qtracker 605 nanocrystals). The QD labeled PSCs showed normal proliferation and their usual spontaneous differentiation potential in vitro. The labeling of the cell population was concentration dependent, with increasing cell load from 5 nM QDs to 20 nM QDs. With time-lapse microscopy, we observed that the transmission of the QD particles during cell divisions was random, appearing as equal or unequal transmission to daughter cells. We report here that QDs offered an efficient and nontoxic way to label pancreatic stem cells without genetic modifications. In summary, QD nanocrystals are a promising tool for stem cell labeling and facilitate tracking of transplanted cells in animal models.

Biodistribution and Clearance of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Quantitative Three-Dimensional Cryo-Imaging After Intravenous Infusion in a Rat Lung Injury Model

“…Previous Qdot labeling studies have not shown impaired survival, proliferation, migration or differentiation [15, 20–23]. Third, although Qdot dilution caused by cell division has not been shown to be a major component of the loss of Qdot signal over time [24, 50], we cannot rule out the potential loss of Qdot signal caused by MSC proliferation. Finally, we only tested MSCs and therefore, these findings may not be extended to other cell types.…”

Nanostructured scaffold as a determinant of stem cell fate

“…These are photostable and have longer longevity. So far there have been no reports on the effect of quantum dots in altering stem cell proliferation or differentiation [77]. …”

Evaluation of the effects of boron nitride nanotubes functionalized with gum arabic on the differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells

“…2 Great advances have been achieved in the eld of stem cell biology with the development of innovative platforms based on nanomaterials. Of the different classes of nanomaterials, carbonbased materials, 4,5 inorganic nanoparticles based on metal oxides, 6,7 metals 8,9 and quantum dots 10,11 are of particular interest. Of the different classes of nanomaterials, carbonbased materials, 4,5 inorganic nanoparticles based on metal oxides, 6,7 metals 8,9 and quantum dots 10,11 are of particular interest.…”