Probing stem cell behavior using nanoparticle‐based approaches

Abstract

Stem cells hold significant clinical potential to treat numerous debilitating diseases and injures that currently have no treatment plan. While several advances have been made in developing stem cell platforms and methods to induce their differentiation, there are two critical aspects need to be addressed: (1) efficient delivery of nucleic acids and small molecules for stem cell differentiation, and (2) effective, noninvasive, and real-time tracking of transplanted stem cells. To address this, there has been a trend of utilizing various types of nanoparticles to not only deliver biomolecules to targeted site but also track the location of transplanted stem cells in real time. Over the past decade, various types of nanoparticles, including magnetic nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, quantum dots, and gold nanoparticles, have been developed to serve as vehicles for targeted biomolecule delivery. In addition of being biocompatible without causing adverse side effect to stem cells, these nanoparticles have unique chemical and physical properties that allow tracking and imaging in real time using different imaging instruments that are commonly found in hospitals. A summary of the landmark and progressive demonstrations that utilize nanoparticles for stem cell application is described.

Uptake of magnetic nanoparticles for adipose-derived stem cells with multiple passage numbers

“…Stem cells are playing an increasingly important role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine [1]. Stem cell-based therapy has shown great potential for the treatment of many conditions, such as neural lesions [2], immunological diseases [3] and bone defects [4].…”

The Roles of Nanoparticles in Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease

“…Therefore, they have many unique optical properties in ultraviolet light, which can enhance the aging resistance, strength, and chemical resistance of other materials (Tang et al, 2012). SNPs can be divided into two categories: solid SNPs and mesoporous SNPs, both of which have the potential uses in stem cell therapy, including stem cell differentiation, imaging, and tracking (Tang and Cheng, 2013;Patel and Lee, 2015). Additionally, they have unique biological adaptability and show morphological adjustability plasticity (Slowing et al, 2008).…”

“…The mechanisms of angiogenesis, the role of the scaffold architecture, and the interaction of potential biological and inorganic cues with the developing vasculature are among the key parameters to be considered as research progresses to a higher level. Efforts should be taken to enhance capillary network infiltration without compromising the physical and mechanical characteristics of the scaffolds (Patel and Lee, 2015). Besides, the potential accumulation of NPs in the liver and kidneys and whether such accumulation increases organ damage must be ascertained.…”

Multidimensional nanomaterials for the control of stem cell fate

“…Apart from numerous biomedical applications like imaging and drug/gene delivery, application of directing stem cell differentiation through nanoparticles is lacking. However, the unique properties of nanoparticles are met with strong enthusiasms from researchers for modulating stem cell behaviors and understanding stem cell signaling mechanisms [ 6 ].…”