Stem cell tracking using iron oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are an exciting advancement in the field of nanotechnology. They expand the possibilities of noninvasive analysis and have many useful properties, making them potential candidates for numerous novel applications. Notably, they have been shown that they can be tracked by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and are capable of conjugation with various cell types, including stem cells. In-depth research has been undertaken to establish these benefits, so that a deeper level of understanding of stem cell migratory pathways and differentiation, tumor migration, and improved drug delivery can be achieved. Stem cells have the ability to treat and cure many debilitating diseases with limited side effects, but a main problem that arises is in the noninvasive tracking and analysis of these stem cells. Recently, researchers have acknowledged the use of SPIONs for this purpose and have set out to establish suitable protocols for coating and attachment, so as to bring MRI tracking of SPION-labeled stem cells into common practice. This review paper explains the manner in which SPIONs are produced, conjugated, and tracked using MRI, as well as a discussion on their limitations. A concise summary of recently researched magnetic particle coatings is provided, and the effects of SPIONs on stem cells are evaluated, while animal and human studies investigating the role of SPIONs in stem cell tracking will be explored.

High field magnetic resonance imaging of rodents in cardiovascular research

“…Among them, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) represent a powerful tool for cellular MR imaging. After labeling of stem cells with these small biocompatible crystalline magnetite structures, cell engraftment, differentiation and viability can be noninvasively monitored thanks to the high sensitivity of SPIONs for MRI [26]. If so far, cardiovascular applications in mice at HF remain scarce [36, 96,111,133,165], it represents a promising approach for the study and follow-up of stem cell therapy in the field of cardiology.…”

Labeling and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Exosomes Isolated from Adipose Stem Cells

“…For these reasons, it is crucial to set up a method to label exosomes that allows investigators to visualize and track them with a non-invasive tool like MRI. To produce a detectable change in MRI signal intensity, cells or exosomes must be labeled with MR contrast agents (Bull et al, 2014). In this regard, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have been widely used to magnetically label cells and, recently, exosomes (Hu et al, 2014).…”

Mesenchymal stem cell tracking in the intervertebral disc

“…Iron oxide nanoparticles can be subdivided into standard SPION, 60 to 150 nm in size, and ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPION) which measure 10 to 20 nm [78,79] . The type of coating, size and method of synthesis affect the SPIONs biocompatibility and magnetic properties [80] . MRI generates images by utilizing the differences in proton density and the local magnetic environment of hydrogen atoms [75] .…”