Effect of Labeling with Iron Oxide Particles or Nanodiamonds on the Functionality of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

Stem cells are increasingly the focus of translational research as well as having emerging roles in human cellular therapy. To support these uses there is a need for improved methods for in vivo cell localization and tracking. In this study, we examined the effects of cell labeling on the in vitro functionality of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Our results provide a basis for future in vivo studies investigating implanted cell fate and longevity. In particular, we investigated the effects of two different particles: micron-sized (∼0.9 µm) fluorescently labeled (Dragon Green) superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (M-SPIO particles); and, carboxylated nanodiamonds of ∼0.25 µm in size. The effects of labeling on the functionality of adipose-derived MSCs were assessed by in vitro morphology, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential, CD marker expression, cytokine secretion profiling and quantitative proteomics of the intra-cellular proteome. The differentiation and CD marker assays for stem-like functionality were not altered upon label incorporation and no secreted or intra-cellular protein changes indicative of stress or toxicity were detected. These in vitro results indicate that the M-SPIO particles and nanodiamonds investigated in this study are biocompatible with MSCs and therefore would be suitable labels for cell localization and tracking in vivo.

Viability and MR detectability of iron labeled mesenchymal stem cells used for endoscopic injection into the porcine urethral sphincter

“…Regarding the differentiation into an adipogenic cell line, Blaber et al . found no difference in staining with Oil Red , similar to the results of our investigations. Differentiation is reported to be influenced by cell labeling in general, but dependent on the size and preparation of the nanoparticles used .…”

Nanodiamonds as Intracellular Probes for Imaging in Biology and Medicine

“…The biocompatibility of oxidized HPHT NDs was first examined in 2005 in human kidney cells by Chang's group (Yu et al 2005) and confirmed in subsequent studies by the same lab and others (Fu et al 2007;Vial et al 2008;Faklaris et al 2008;Lee et al 2013;Blaber et al 2013;Fang et al 2011;Liu et al 2009). Most studies assessed biocompatibility by MTT assay or by measuring levels of enzymatic activity.…”

Nano-assembly of nanodiamonds by conjugation to actin filaments

“…Nanodiamonds are made of carbon and are therefore fully bio‐compatible. Their low toxicity has been demonstrated in a wide range of cell lines including lung, neuronal, renal, cervical and stem cells . As such, NDs have been proposed as viable alternatives to quantum dots , which are typically made from heavy metals such as cadmium and selenium, and thus tend to exhibit cytotoxicity.…”