title: Multi-modal transfection agent based on monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles for stem cell gene delivery and tracking.
abstract: Directing the controlled differentiation and tracking of stem cells is essential to achieve successful stem cell therapy. In this work, we describe a multi-modal (MR/optical) transfection agent (MTA) for efficient gene delivery and cell tracking of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The MTA was synthesized through a facile two-step approach with 1) ligand exchange of a catechol-functionalized polypeptide (CFP) and 2) chemical immobilization of fluorescence labelled cationic polymer via aminolysis reaction. Cationic polymer-immobilized MTAs with size of ~40 nm exhibit greatly enhanced colloidal stability in aqueous solution. In addition, the MTAs were capable of binding DNA molecules for transfection. The MTA/pDNA complex showed relatively good transfection efficiency in hMSCs (compared to the commercial transfection agent, Lipofectamine) and good biocompatibility. MTA-treated hMSCs were successfully visualized after transplantation via MR and optical imaging system over 14 days. These studies highlight the challenges associated with the potential advantages of designing multi-modal nanostructured materials as tools for genetic materials delivery and cell-tracking in stem cell therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 420-743, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Wooram
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Han Na
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Daishun
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 420-743, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyeona
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yim
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 420-743, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kyoung Sub
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Taeghwan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hyeon
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 420-743, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: kna6997@catholic.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Kun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Na
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: pkh0410@cha.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Keun-Hong
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival; D058948:Cell Tracking / Q000379:methods*; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I / Q000378:metabolism; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006801:Humans; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008819:Mice, Nude; D010316:Particle Size; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D011108:Polymers; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I
keywords: Catechol; Cell tracking; Magnetic resonance imaging; Multimodal imaging; Stem cells