Biodistribution of poly clustered superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle labeled mesenchymal stem cells in aminoglycoside induced ototoxic mouse model

Biocompatible polymer-coated magneto-fluorescent super nanoparticles for the homing of mesenchymal stem cells

Stem cell plays an important role in the clinical field. However, the effective delivery of stem cells to the targeted site relies on the efficient homing of the cells to the site of injury. In view of that, fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles stick out due to their wide range of enabling functions including cellular homing and tracking. The present study unravels the synthesis of polymer-coated biocompatible and fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles (FMNPs) by a single-step hydrothermal synthesis method. Importantly, the facile method developed the biological super nanoparticles consisting of the magnetic core, which is surrounded by the fluorescent nanodot-decorated polymeric shell. The synthesized particles showed an amorphous nature, and superparamagnetic properties, with efficient fluorescence properties of emission at the blue range (̴ 410 nm). The FMNP labeling showed the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) homing to the desired site in the presence of an external magnetic field. The in-house synthesized nanoparticles showed significant cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility in vitro as well as in vivo conditions owing to their surface coating. This unprecedented work advances the efficient internalization of FMNPs in MSCs and their enhanced migration potential provides a breakthrough in stem cell delivery for therapeutic applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The bi-modal fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles hold a promising role in the biomedical field for mesenchymal stem cell homing and tracking. Hence, in this study, for the first time, we have synthesized the fluorescent magnetic nanoparticle with polymer coating via an easy single-step method. The nanoparticle with a polymer coat enhanced the biocompatibility and effortless internalization of the nanoparticle into mesenchymal stem cells without hampering the native stem cell properties. Furthermore, the enhanced migration potential of such magnetized stem cells and their homing at the target site by applying an external magnetic field opened up avenues for the smart delivery of mesenchymal stem cells at complex sites such as retina for the tissue regeneration.

Current advances in biomaterials for inner ear cell regeneration

Inner ear cell regeneration from stem/progenitor cells provides potential therapeutic strategies for the restoration of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), however, the efficiency of regeneration is low and the functions of differentiated cells are not yet mature. Biomaterials have been used in inner ear cell regeneration to construct a more physiologically relevant 3D culture system which mimics the stem cell microenvironment and facilitates cellular interactions. Currently, these biomaterials include hydrogel, conductive materials, magneto-responsive materials, photo-responsive materials, etc. We analyzed the characteristics and described the advantages and limitations of these materials. Furthermore, we reviewed the mechanisms by which biomaterials with different physicochemical properties act on the inner ear cell regeneration and depicted the current status of the material selection based on their characteristics to achieve the reconstruction of the auditory circuits. The application of biomaterials in inner ear cell regeneration offers promising opportunities for the reconstruction of the auditory circuits and the restoration of hearing, yet biomaterials should be strategically explored and combined according to the obstacles to be solved in the inner ear cell regeneration research.

Prodigious therapeutic effects of combining mesenchymal stem cells with magnetic nanoparticles

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained wide-ranging reputation in the medical research community due to their promising regenerative abilities. MSCs can be isolated from various resources mostly bone marrow, Adipose tissues and Umbilical cord. Huge advances have been achieved in comprehending the possible mechanisms underlying the therapeutic functions of MSCs. Despite the proven role of MSCs in repairing and healing of many disease modalities, many hurdles hinder the transferring of these cells in the clinical settings. Among the most reported problems encountering MSCs therapy in vivo are loss of tracking signal post-transplantation, insufficient migration, homing and engraftment post-infusion, and undesirable differentiation at the site of injury. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used widely for various biomedical applications. MNPs have a metallic core stabilized by an outer coating material and their magnetic properties can be modulated by an external magnetic field. These magnetic properties of MNPs were found to enhance the quality of diagnostic imaging procedures and can be used to create a carrying system for targeted delivery of therapeutic substances mainly drug, genes and stem cells. Several studies highlighted the advantageous outcomes of combining MSCs with MNPs in potentiating their tracking, monitoring, homing, engraftment and differentiation. In this review, we will discuss the role of MNPs in promoting the therapeutic profile of MSCs which may improve the success rate of MSCs transplantation and solve many challenges that delay their clinical applicability.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering

In recent years, many promising nanotechnological approaches to biomedical research have been developed in order to increase implementation of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering in clinical practice. In the meantime, the use of nanomaterials for the regeneration of diseased or injured tissues is considered advantageous in most areas of medicine. In particular, for the treatment of cardiovascular, osteochondral and neurological defects, but also for the recovery of functions of other organs such as kidney, liver, pancreas, bladder, urethra and for wound healing, nanomaterials are increasingly being developed that serve as scaffolds, mimic the extracellular matrix and promote adhesion or differentiation of cells. This review focuses on the latest developments in regenerative medicine, in which iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) play a crucial role for tissue engineering and cell therapy. IONPs are not only enabling the use of non-invasive observation methods to monitor the therapy, but can also accelerate and enhance regeneration, either thanks to their inherent magnetic properties or by functionalization with bioactive or therapeutic compounds, such as drugs, enzymes and growth factors. In addition, the presence of magnetic fields can direct IONP-labeled cells specifically to the site of action or induce cell differentiation into a specific cell type through mechanotransduction.