Fluorescent Gold Nanoclusters as a Biocompatible Marker for In Vitro and In Vivo Tracking of Endothelial Cells

Abstract

We have been investigating the fluorescent property and biocompatibility of novel fluorescent gold nanoclusters (FANC) in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). FANC (50-1000 nmol/L) was delivered into cells via the liposome complex. The fluorescence lasted for at least 28 days with a half-life of 9 days in vitro. Examination of 12 transcripts regulating the essential function of endothelial cells after a 72 h delivery showed that only the vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and the vascular endothelial cadherin were down-regulated at high concentration (500 nmol/L). In addition, no activation of caspase 3 or proliferating cell nuclear antigens was detected. 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay demonstrated that, unlike the markedly suppressed viability in cells treated with quantum dots, FANC had minimal effect on the viability, unless above 500 nmol/L, at which level a minor reduction of viability mainly caused by liposome was found. Tube formation assay showed no impaired angiogenesis in the EPC treated with FANC. In vivo study using hindlimb ischemic mice with an intramuscular injection of FANC-labeled human EPC showed that the cells preserved an angiogenic potential and exhibited traceable signals after 21 days. These findings demonstrated that FANC is a promising biocompatible fluorescent probe.

Multivalent Glycosylation of Fluorescent Gold Nanoclusters Promotes Increased Human Dendritic Cell Targeting via Multiple Endocytic Pathways

“…For instance, the Mattoussi lab reported the preparation of red-emitting Au NCs with a quantum yield of up to 14% when stabilised with bidentate thiolated ligands containing a zwitterionic group 40 . NC features such as tunable photoluminescence [41][42] , multiexponential fluorescence lifetime [43][44] , or aggregation induced enhancement 45 have been extensively studied with potential applications in the fields of sensing 46 , bioimaging 47 and optics 48 . Other interesting properties of NCs relevant for therapeutic applications rely on their ultra-small size, low toxicity and stability in physiological media.…”

Green Route to Prepare Biocompatible and Near Infrared Thiolate-Protected Copper Nanoclusters for Cellular Imaging

“…16À19 For example, Yeh et al reported°uorescent Au NCs as a biocompatible marker for in vitro and in vivo tracking of endothelial cells; DNA-encapsulated°uorescent silver NCs could be used as biolabels. 18,19 However, to date extensive researches for NCs focused on luminescent Au and Ag nanomaterials. 20À22 Studies for the synthesis, properties and applications of Cu NCs are still scarce primarily because of the di±-culties in preparation of the highly stable and extremely small particles.…”

CCN1 Promotes VEGF Production in Osteoblasts and Induces Endothelial Progenitor Cell Angiogenesis by Inhibiting miR-126 Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Human EPCs were used in accordance with the study protocol, (24,25) which was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan (reference number: P1000002). All subjects gave informed written consent before enrolling in the study.…”