Cellular magnetic resonance imaging: nanometer and micrometer size particles for noninvasive cell localization

MRI-Based Cell Tracking of OATP-Expressing Cell Transplants by Pre-Labeling with Gd-EOB-DTPA

PURPOSE

A critical step in cell-based therapies is determining the exact position of transplanted cells immediately post-transplant. Here, we devised a method to detect cell transplants immediately post-transplant, using a clinical gadolinium-based contrast agent. These cells were detected as hyperintense signals using a clinically familiar T1-weighted MRI protocol.

PROCEDURES

HEK293 cells were stably transduced to express human OATP1B3, a hepatic organic anion transporting polypeptide that transports Gd-EOB-DTPA into cells that express the transporters, the intracellular accumulation of which cells causes signal enhancement on T1-weighted MRI. Cells were pre-labeled prior to injection in media containing Gd-EOB-DTPA for MRI evaluation and indocyanine green for cryofluorescence tomography validation. Labeled cells were injected into chicken hearts, in vitro, after which MRI and cryofluorescence tomography were performed in sequence.

RESULTS

OATP1B3-expressing cells had substantially reduced T1 following labeling with Gd-EOB-DTPA in culture. Following their implantation into chicken heart, these cells were robustly identified in T1-weighted MRI, with image-derived injection volumes of cells commensurate with intended injection volumes. Cryofluorescence tomography showed that the areas of signal enhancement in MRI overlapped with areas of indocyanine green signal, indicating that MRI signal enhancement was due to the transplanted cells.

CONCLUSIONS

OATP1B3-expressing cells can be pre-labeled with Gd-EOB-DTPA prior to injection into tissue, affording the use of clinically familiar T1-weighted MRI to robustly detect cell transplants immediately after transplant. This procedure is easily generalizable and has potential advantages over the use of iron oxide based cell labeling agents and imaging procedures.

MRI-based cell tracking of OATP-expressing cell transplants by pre-labeling with Gd-EOB-DTPA

Purpose

A critical step in cell-based therapies is determining the exact position of transplanted cells immediately post-transplant. Here, we devised a method to detect cell transplants immediately post-transplant, using a clinical gadolinium-based contrast agent. These cells were detected as hyperintense signals using a clinically familiar T1-weighted MRI protocol.

Procedures

HEK293 cells were stably transduced to express human OATP1B3, a hepatic organic anion transporting polypeptide that transports Gd-EOB-DTPA into cells that express the transporters, the intracellular accumulation of which cells causes signal enhancement on T1-weighted MRI. Cells were pre-labeled prior to injection in media containing Gd-EOB-DTPA for MRI evaluation and indocyanine green for cryofluorescence tomography validation. Labeled cells were injected into chicken hearts, in vitro, after which MRI and cryofluorescence tomography were performed in sequence.

Results

OATP1B3-expressing cells had substantially reduced T1 following labeling with Gd-EOB-DTPA in culture. Following their implantation into chicken heart, these cells were robustly identified in T1-weighted MRI, with image-derived injection volumes of cells commensurate with intended injection volumes. Cryofluorescence tomography showed that the areas of signal enhancement in MRI overlapped with areas of indocyanine green signal, indicating that MRI signal enhancement was due to the transplanted cells.

Conclusions

OATP1B3-expressing cells can be pre-labeled with Gd-EOB-DTPA prior to injection into tissue, affording the use of clinically familiar T1-weighted MRI to robustly detect cell transplants immediately after transplant. This procedure is easily generalizable and has potential advantages over the use of iron oxide based cell labeling agents and imaging procedures.

Dual Labeling of Primary Cells with Fluorescent Gadolinium Oxide Nanoparticles

The interest in mesenchymal stromal cells as a therapy option is increasing rapidly. To improve their implementation, location, and distribution, the properties of these must be investigated. Therefore, cells can be labeled with nanoparticles as a dual contrast agent for fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, a more efficient protocol for an easy synthesis of rose bengal-dextran-coated gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃-dex-RB) nanoparticles within only 4 h was established. Nanoparticles were characterized by zeta potential measurements, photometric measurements, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy, and MRI. In vitro cell experiments with SK-MEL-28 and primary adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASC), nanoparticle internalization, fluorescence and MRI properties, and cell proliferation were performed. The synthesis of Gd₂O₃-dex-RB nanoparticles was successful, and they were proven to show adequate signaling in fluorescence microscopy and MRI. Nanoparticles were internalized into SK-MEL-28 and ASC via endocytosis. Labeled cells showed sufficient fluorescence and MRI signal. Labeling concentrations of up to 4 mM and 8 mM for ASC and SK-MEL-28, respectively, did not interfere with cell viability and proliferation. Gd₂O₃-dex-RB nanoparticles are a feasible contrast agent to track cells via fluorescence microscopy and MRI. Fluorescence microscopy is a suitable method to track cells in in vitro experiments with smaller samples.

Clinical Hepatocyte Transplantation: What Is Next?

Purpose of review

Significant recent scientific developments have occurred in the field of liver repopulation and regeneration. While techniques to facilitate liver repopulation with donor hepatocytes and different cell sources have been studied extensively in the laboratory, in recent years clinical hepatocyte transplantation (HT) and liver repopulation trials have demonstrated new disease indications and also immunological challenges that will require the incorporation of a fresh look and new experimental approaches.

Recent findings

Growth advantage and regenerative stimulus are necessary to allow donor hepatocytes to proliferate. Current research efforts focus on mechanisms of donor hepatocyte expansion in response to liver injury/preconditioning. Moreover, latest clinical evidence shows that important obstacles to HT include optimizing engraftment and limited duration of effectiveness, with hepatocytes being lost to immunological rejection. We will discuss alternatives for cellular rejection monitoring, as well as new modalities to follow cellular graft function and near-to-clinical cell sources.

Summary

HT partially corrects genetic disorders for a limited period of time and has been associated with reversal of ALF. The main identified obstacles that remain to make HT a curative approach include improving engraftment rates, and methods for monitoring cellular graft function and rejection. This review aims to discuss current state-of-the-art in clinical HT and provide insights into innovative approaches taken to overcome these obstacles.

Fe Core-Carbon Shell Nanoparticles as Advanced MRI Contrast Enhancer

The aim of this study is to fabricate a hybrid composite of iron (Fe) core–carbon (C) shell nanoparticles with enhanced magnetic properties for contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These new classes of magnetic core–shell nanoparticles are synthesized using a one-step top–down approach through the electric plasma discharge generated in the cavitation field in organic solvents by an ultrasonic horn. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations revealed the core–shell nanoparticles with 10–85 nm in diameter with excellent dispersibility in water without any agglomeration. TEM showed the structural confirmation of Fe nanoparticles with body centered cubic (bcc) crystal structure. Magnetic multi-functional hybrid composites of Fe core–C shell nanoparticles were then evaluated as negative MRI contrast agents, displaying remarkably high transverse relaxivity (r₂) of 70 mM⁻¹·S⁻¹ at 7 T. This simple one-step synthesis procedure is highly versatile and produces desired nanoparticles with high efficacy as MRI contrast agents and potential utility in other biomedical applications.

Intelligent and automatic in vivo detection and quantification of transplanted cells in MRI

PURPOSE

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based cell tracking has emerged as a useful tool for identifying the location of transplanted cells, and even their migration. Magnetically labeled cells appear as dark contrast in T2*-weighted MRI, with sensitivities of individual cells. One key hurdle to the widespread use of MRI-based cell tracking is the inability to determine the number of transplanted cells based on this contrast feature. In the case of single cell detection, manual enumeration of spots in three-dimensional (3D) MRI in principle is possible; however, it is a tedious and time-consuming task that is prone to subjectivity and inaccuracy on a large scale. This research presents the first comprehensive study on how a computer-based intelligent, automatic, and accurate cell quantification approach can be designed for spot detection in MRI scans.

METHODS

Magnetically labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were transplanted into rats using an intracardiac injection, accomplishing single cell seeding in the brain. T2*-weighted MRI of these rat brains were performed where labeled MSCs appeared as spots. Using machine learning and computer vision paradigms, approaches were designed to systematically explore the possibility of automatic detection of these spots in MRI. Experiments were validated against known in vitro scenarios.

RESULTS

Using the proposed deep convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture, an in vivo accuracy up to 97.3% and in vitro accuracy of up to 99.8% was achieved for automated spot detection in MRI data.

CONCLUSION

The proposed approach for automatic quantification of MRI-based cell tracking will facilitate the use of MRI in large-scale cell therapy studies. Magn Reson Med 78:1991-2002, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Clinically viable magnetic poly(lactide-co-glycolide) particles for MRI-based cell tracking

PURPOSE

To design, fabricate, characterize, and in vivo assay clinically viable magnetic particles for MRI-based cell tracking.

METHODS

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) encapsulated magnetic nano and microparticles were fabricated. Multiple biologically relevant experiments were performed to assess cell viability, cellular performance, and stem cell differentiation. In vivo MRI experiments were performed to separately test cell transplantation and cell migration paradigms, as well as in vivo biodegradation.

RESULTS

Highly magnetic nano (∼100 nm) and microparticles (∼1-2 µm) were fabricated. Magnetic cell labeling in culture occurred rapidly achieving 3-50 pg Fe/cell at 3 h for different particles types, and >100 pg Fe/cell after 10 h, without the requirement of a transfection agent, and with no effect on cell viability. The capability of magnetically labeled mesenchymal or neural stem cells to differentiate down multiple lineages, or for magnetically labeled immune cells to release cytokines following stimulation, was uncompromised. An in vivo biodegradation study revealed that NPs degraded ∼80% over the course of 12 weeks. MRI detected as few as 10 magnetically labeled cells, transplanted into the brains of rats. Also, these particles enabled the in vivo monitoring of endogenous neural progenitor cell migration in rat brains over 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The robust MRI properties and benign safety profile of these particles make them promising candidates for clinical translation for MRI-based cell tracking.

Magnetic cell labeling of primary and stem cell-derived pig hepatocytes for MRI-based cell tracking of hepatocyte transplantation

Pig hepatocytes are an important investigational tool for optimizing hepatocyte transplantation schemes in both allogeneic and xenogeneic transplant scenarios. MRI can be used to serially monitor the transplanted cells, but only if the hepatocytes can be labeled with a magnetic particle. In this work, we describe culture conditions for magnetic cell labeling of cells from two different pig hepatocyte cell sources; primary pig hepatocytes (ppHEP) and stem cell-derived hepatocytes (PICM-19FF). The magnetic particle is a micron-sized iron oxide particle (MPIO) that has been extensively studied for magnetic cell labeling for MRI-based cell tracking. ppHEP could endocytose MPIO with labeling percentages as high as 70%, achieving iron content as high as ~55 pg/cell, with >75% viability. PICM-19FF had labeling >97%, achieving iron content ~38 pg/cell, with viability >99%. Extensive morphological and functional assays indicated that magnetic cell labeling was benign to the cells. The results encourage the use of MRI-based cell tracking for the development and clinical use of hepatocyte transplantation methodologies. Further, these results generally highlight the importance of functional cell assays in the evaluation of contrast agent biocompatibility.

Micron-sized iron oxide-containing particles for microRNA-targeted manipulation and MRI-based tracking of transplanted cells

Particle-based delivery systems for therapeutic manipulation and tracking of transplanted cells by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are commonly based on nanometer-sized superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIOs). Here, we present a proof of concept for multifunctional, silica based micron-sized iron oxide-containing particles (sMPIO) that combine fluorescence imaging, MRI tracking, and on-the-spot targeting of specific microRNAs on a particle surface for therapeutic manipulation by RNA interference. Antisense locked nucleic acids (α-LNA) were covalently bound to the surface of silica-based, DAPI-integrated, micron-sized iron oxide particles (sMPIO-α-LNA). In vitro studies using primary human hepatocytes showed rapid particle uptake (4 h) that was accompanied by significant depletion of the targeted microRNA Let7g (80%), up-regulation of the target proteins Cyclin D1 and c-Myc, and specific proteome changes. sMPIO-α-LNA-labeled cells were successfully detected by fluorescence imaging and could be visualized by MRI after intrasplenic transplantation in rats. This new theranostic particle provides a promising tool for cell transplantation where cellular imaging and microRNA-based manipulation is needed. [165].

Cryopreservation of embryonic stem cell-derived multicellular neural aggregates labeled with micron-sized particles of iron oxide for magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an effective approach to track labeled pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) for neurological disorder treatments after cell labeling with a contrast agent, such as an iron oxide derivative. Cryopreservation of pre-labeled neural cells, especially in three-dimensional (3D) structure, can provide a uniform cell population and preserve the stem cell niche for the subsequent applications. In this study, the effects of cryopreservation on PSC-derived multicellular NPC aggregates labeled with micron-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIO) were investigated. These NPC aggregates were labeled prior to cryopreservation because labeling thawed cells can be limited by inefficient intracellular uptake, variations in labeling efficiency, and increased culture time before use, minimizing their translation to clinical settings. The results indicated that intracellular MPIO incorporation was retained after cryopreservation (70-80% labeling efficiency), and MPIO labeling had little adverse effects on cell recovery, proliferation, cytotoxicity and neural lineage commitment post-cryopreservation. MRI analysis showed comparable detectability for the MPIO-labeled cells before and after cryopreservation indicated by T2 and T2* relaxation rates. Cryopreserving MPIO-labeled 3D multicellular NPC aggregates can be applied in in vivo cell tracking studies and lead to more rapid translation from preservation to clinical implementation.

Magnetic resonance imaging of transplanted stem cell fate in stroke

Nowadays, scientific findings in the field of regeneration of nervous system have revealed the possibility of stem cell based therapies for damaged brain tissue related disorders like stroke. Furthermore, to achieve desirable outcomes from cellular therapies, one needs to monitor the migration, engraftment, viability, and also functional fate of transplanted stem cells. Magnetic resonance imaging is an extremely versatile technique for this purpose, which has been broadly used to study stroke and assessment of therapeutic role of stem cells. In this review we searched in PubMed search engine by using following keywords; "Stem Cells", "Cell Tracking", "Stroke", "Stem Cell Transplantation", "Nanoparticles", and "Magnetic Resonance Imaging" as entry terms and based on the mentioned key words, the search period was set from 1976 to 2012. The main purpose of this article is describing various advantages of molecular and magnetic resonance imaging of stem cells, with focus on translation of stem cell research to clinical research.

Multimodal imaging of micron-sized iron oxide particles following in vitro and in vivo uptake by stem cells: down to the nanometer scale

In this study, the interaction between cells and micron-sized paramagnetic iron oxide (MPIO) particles was investigated by characterizing MPIO in their original state, and after cellular uptake in vitro as well as in vivo. Moreover, MPIO in the olfactory bulb were studied 9 months after injection. Using various imaging techniques, cell-MPIO interactions were investigated with increasing spatial resolution. Live cell confocal microscopy demonstrated that MPIO co-localize with lysosomes after in vitro cellular uptake. In more detail, a membrane surrounding the MPIO was observed by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). Following MPIO uptake in vivo, the same cell-MPIO interaction was observed by HAADF-STEM in the subventricular zone at 1 week and in the olfactory bulb at 9 months after MPIO injection. These findings provide proof for the current hypothesis that MPIO are internalized by the cell through endocytosis. The results also show MPIO are not biodegradable, even after 9 months in the brain. Moreover, they show the possibility of HAADF-STEM generating information on the labeled cell as well as on the MPIO. In summary, the methodology presented here provides a systematic route to investigate the interaction between cells and nanoparticles from the micrometer level down to the nanometer level and beyond.

Magnetic layer-by-layer coated particles for efficient MRI of dendritic cells and mesenchymal stem cells

AIM

Cell detection by MRI requires high doses of contrast agent for generating image contrast. Therefore, there is a constant need to develop improved systems that further increase sensitivity, and which could be used in clinical settings. In this study, we devised layer-by-layer particles and tested their potential for cell labeling.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The advantages of layer-by-layer technology were exploited to obtain magnetic particles of controllable size, surface chemistry and magnetic payload.

RESULTS

Flexibility in size and surface charge enabled efficient intracellular delivery of magnetic particles in mesenchymal stem cells and dendritic cells. Owing to the high magnetic payload of the particles, high MRI contrast was generated, even for very low cell numbers. Subcutaneous injection of the particles and subsequent uptake by dendritic cells enabled clear visualization of dendritic cells homing towards nearby lymph nodes in mice.

CONCLUSION

The magnetic particles offer several possibilities as efficient cellular MRI contrast agents for direct in vitro or in vivo cell labeling.

The effect of cryoprotection on the use of PLGA encapsulated iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic cell labeling

Magnetic PLGA nanoparticles are a significant advancement in the quest to translate MRI-based cell tracking to the clinic. The benefits of these types of particles are that they encapsulate large amounts of iron oxide nanocrystals within an FDA-approved polymer matrix, combining the best aspects of inert micron-sized iron oxide particles, or MPIOs, and biodegradable small particles of iron oxide, or SPIOs. Practically, PLGA nanoparticle fabrication and storage requires some form of cryoprotectant to both protect the particle during freeze drying and to promote resuspension. While this is a commonly employed procedure in the fabrication of drug loaded PLGA nanoparticles, it has yet to be investigated for magnetic particles and what effect this might have on internalization of magnetic particles. As such, in this study, magnetic PLGA nanoparticles were fabricated with various concentrations of two common cryoprotectants, dextrose and sucrose, and analyzed for their ability to magnetically label cells. It was found that cryoprotection with either sugar significantly enhanced the ability to resuspend nanoparticles without aggregation. Magnetic cell labeling was impacted by sugar concentration, with higher sugar concentrations used during freeze drying more significantly reducing magnetic cell labeling than lower concentrations. These studies suggest that cryoprotection with 1% dextrose is an optimal compromise that preserves monodispersity following resuspension and high magnetic cell labeling.

Functionalizable silica-based micron-sized iron oxide particles for cellular magnetic resonance imaging

Cellular therapies require methods for noninvasive visualization of transplanted cells. Micron-sized iron oxide particles (MPIOs) generate a strong contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and are therefore ideally suited as an intracellular contrast agent to image cells under clinical conditions. However, MPIOs were previously not applicable for clinical use. Here, we present the development and evaluation of silica-based micron-sized iron oxide particles (sMPIOs) with a functionalizable particle surface. Particles with magnetite content of >40% were composed using the sol-gel process. The particle surfaces were covered with COOH groups. Fluorescein, poly-L-lysine (PLL), and streptavidin (SA) were covalently attached. Monodisperse sMPIOs had an average size of 1.18 µm and an iron content of about 1.0 pg Fe/particle. Particle uptake, toxicity, and imaging studies were performed using HuH7 cells and human and rat hepatocytes. sMPIOs enabled rapid cellular labeling within 4 h of incubation; PLL-modified particles had the highest uptake. In T2*-weighted 3.0 T MRI, the detection threshold in agarose was 1,000 labeled cells, whereas in T1-weighted LAVA sequences, at least 10,000 cells were necessary to induce sufficient contrast. Labeling was stable and had no adverse effects on labeled cells. Silica is a biocompatible material that has been approved for clinical use. sMPIOs could therefore be suitable for future clinical applications in cellular MRI, especially in settings that require strong cellular contrast. Moreover, the particle surface provides the opportunity to create multifunctional particles for targeted delivery and diagnostics.

Labelling of olfactory ensheathing cells with micron-sized particles of iron oxide and detection by MRI

A crucial issue in transplant-mediated repair of the damaged central nervous system (CNS) is serial non-invasive imaging of the transplanted cells, which has led to interest in the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with designated intracellular magnetic labels for cell tracking. Micron-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIO) have been successfully used to track cells by MRI, yet there is relatively little known about either their suitability for efficient labelling of specific cell types, or their effects on cell viability. The purpose of this study was to develop a suitable MPIO labelling protocol for olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), a type of glia used to promote the regeneration of CNS axons after transplantation into the injured CNS. Here, we demonstrate an OEC labelling efficiency of >90% with an MPIO incubation time as short as 6 h, enabling intracellular particle uptake for single-cell detection by MRI without affecting cell proliferation, migration and viability. Moreover, MPIO are resolvable in OECs transplanted into the vitreous body of adult rat eyes, providing the first detailed protocol for efficient and safe MPIO labelling of OECs for non-invasive MRI tracking of transplanted OECs in real time for use in studies of CNS repair and axon regeneration.

Evaluation of intracellular labeling with micron-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIOs) as a general tool for in vitro and in vivo tracking of human stem and progenitor cells

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based tracking is increasingly attracting attention as a means of better understanding stem cell dynamics in vivo. Intracellular labeling with micrometer-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIOs) provides a practical MRI-based approach due to superior detectability relative to smaller iron oxide particles. However, insufficient information is available about the general utility across cell types and the effects on cell vitality of MPIO labeling of human stem cells. We labeled six human cell types from different sources: mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow (MSCs), mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (ASCs), presumptive adult neural stem cells (ad-NSCs), fetal neural progenitor cells (f-NPCs), a glioma cell line (U87), and glioblastoma tumor stem cells (GSCs), with two different sizes of MPIOs (0.9 and 2.84 µm). Labeling and uptake efficiencies were highly variable among cell types. Several parameters of general cell function were tested in vitro. Only minor differences were found between labeled and unlabeled cells with respect to proliferation rate, mitotic duration, random motility, and capacity for differentiation to specific phenotypes. In vivo behavior was tested in chicken embryos and severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Postmortem histology showed that labeled cells survived and could integrate into various tissues. MRI-based tracking over several weeks in the SCID mice showed that labeled GSCs and f-NPCs injected into the brain exhibited translocations similar to those seen for unlabeled cells and as expected from migratory behavior described in previous studies. The results support MPIO-based cell tracking as a generally useful tool for studies of human stem cell dynamics in vivo.

A new nano-sized iron oxide particle with high sensitivity for cellular magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE

In this study, we investigated the labeling efficiency and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal sensitivity of a newly synthesized, nano-sized iron oxide particle (IOP) coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG), designed by Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI).

PROCEDURES

Macrophages, bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from rats and labeled by incubating with ITRI-IOP, along with three other iron oxide particles in different sizes and coatings as reference. These labeled cells were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), light and fluorescence microscopy, phantom MRI, and finally in vivo MRI and ex vivo magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) of transplanted hearts in rats infused with labeled macrophages.

RESULTS

The longitudinal (r (1)) and transverse (r (2)) relaxivities of ITRI-IOP are 22.71 and 319.2 s(-1) mM(-1), respectively. TEM and microscopic images indicate the uptake of multiple ITRI-IOP particles per cell for all cell types. ITRI-IOP provides sensitivity comparable or higher than the other three particles shown in phantom MRI. In vivo MRI and ex vivo MRM detect punctate spots of hypointensity in rejecting hearts, most likely caused by the accumulation of macrophages labeled by ITRI-IOP.

CONCLUSION

ITRI-IOP, the nano-sized iron oxide particle, shows high efficiency in cell labeling, including both phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells. Furthermore, it provides excellent sensitivity in T(2)*-weighted MRI, and thus can serve as a promising contrast agent for in vivo cellular MRI.

Nanodevices in diagnostics

The real-time, personalized and highly sensitive early-stage diagnosis of disease remains an important challenge in modern medicine. With the ability to interact with matter at the nanoscale, the development of nanotechnology architectures and materials could potentially extend subcellular and molecular detection beyond the limits of conventional diagnostic modalities. At the very least, nanotechnology should be able to dramatically accelerate biomarker discovery, as well as facilitate disease monitoring, especially of maladies presenting a high degree of molecular and compositional heterogeneity. This article gives an overview of several of the most promising nanodevices and nanomaterials along with their applications in clinical practice. Significant work to adapt nanoscale materials and devices to clinical applications involving large interdisciplinary collaborations is already underway with the potential for nanotechnology to become an important enabling diagnostic technology.

In vivo monitoring of adult neurogenesis in health and disease

Adult neurogenesis, i.e., the generation of new neurons in the adult brain, presents an enormous potential for regenerative therapies of the central nervous system. While 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine labeling and subsequent histology or immunohistochemistry for cell-type-specific markers is still the gold standard in studies of neurogenesis, novel techniques, and tools for in vivo imaging of neurogenesis have been recently developed and successfully applied. Here, we review the latest progress on these developments, in particular in the area of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical imaging. In vivo in situ labeling of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) with micron-sized iron oxide particles enables longitudinal visualization of endogenous progenitor cell migration by MRI. The possibility of genetic labeling for cellular MRI was demonstrated by using the iron storage protein ferritin as the MR reporter-gene. However, reliable and consistent results using ferritin imaging for monitoring endogenous progenitor cell migration have not yet been reported. In contrast, genetic labeling of NPCs with a fluorescent or bioluminescent reporter has led to the development of some powerful tools for in vivo imaging of neurogenesis. Here, two strategies, i.e., viral labeling of stem/progenitor cells and transgenic approaches, have been used. In addition, the use of specific promoters for neuronal progenitor cells such as doublecortin increases the neurogenesis-specificity of the labeling. Naturally, the ultimate challenge will be to develop neurogenesis imaging methods applicable in humans. Therefore, we certainly need to consider other modalities such as positron emission tomography and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS), which have already been implemented for both animals and humans. Further improvements of sensitivity and neurogenesis-specificity are nevertheless required for all imaging techniques currently available.

Tracking stem cells using magnetic nanoparticles

Stem cell therapies offer great promise for many diseases, especially those without current effective treatments. It is believed that noninvasive imaging techniques, which offer the ability to track the status of cells after transplantation, will expedite progress in this field and help to achieve maximized therapeutic effect. Today's biomedical imaging technology allows for real-time, noninvasive monitoring of grafted stem cells including their biodistribution, migration, survival, and differentiation, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of nanoparticle-labeled cells being one of the most commonly used techniques. Among the advantages of MR cell tracking are its high spatial resolution, no exposure to ionizing radiation, and clinical applicability. In order to track cells by MRI, the cells need to be labeled with magnetic nanoparticles, for which many types exist. There are several cellular labeling techniques available, including simple incubation, use of transfection agents, magnetoelectroporation, and magnetosonoporation. In this overview article, we will review the use of different magnetic nanoparticles and discuss how these particles can be used to track the distribution of transplanted cells in different organ systems. Caveats and limitations inherent to the tracking of nanoparticle-labeled stem cells are also discussed.

Magnetoliposomes as multimodal contrast agents for molecular imaging and cancer nanotheragnostics

In the emerging field of molecular and cellular imaging, flexible strategies to synthesize multimodal contrast agents with targeting ligands are required. Liposomes have the ability to combine with a large variety of nanomaterials, including superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, to form magnetoliposomes (MLs). MLs can be used as highly efficient MRI contrast agents. Owing to their high flexibility, MLs can be associated with other imaging modality probes to be used as multimodal contrast agents. By using a thermosensitive lipid bilayer in the ML structure, these biocompatible systems offer many possibilities for targeting and delivering therapeutic agents for ‘theragnostics’, a coincident therapy and diagnosis strategy. This article deals with the fast-growing field of MLs as biomedical diagnostic tools. Different kinds of MLs, their preparation methods, as well as their surface modification with different imaging probes, are discussed. ML applications as multimodal contrast agents and in theragnostics are reviewed. Some important issues for the biomedical uses of magnetic liposomes, such as toxicity, are summarized.

Monitoring of Liver Cell Transplantation in a Preclinical Swine Model Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Liver cell transplantation (LCT) is a promising treatment approach for certain liver diseases, but clinical implementation requires methods for noninvasive follow-up. Labeling with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles can enable the detection of cells with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We investigated the feasibility of monitoring transplanted liver cells by MRI in a preclinical swine model and used this approach to evaluate different routes for cell application. Liver cells were isolated from landrace piglets and labeled with micron-sized iron oxide particles (MPIO) in adhesion. Labeled cells (n = 10), native cells (n = 3), or pure particles (n = 4) were transplanted to minipigs via intraportal infusion into the liver, direct injection into the splenic parenchyma, or intra-arterial infusion to the spleen. Recipients were investigated by repeated 3.0 Tesla MRI and computed tomography angiography up to 8 weeks after transplantation. Labeling with MPIO, which are known to have a strong effect on the magnetic field, enabled noninvasive detection of cell aggregates by MRI. Following intraportal application, which is commonly applied for clinical LCT, MRI was able to visualize the microembolization of transplanted cells in the liver that were not detected by conventional imaging modalities. Cells directly injected into the spleen were retained, whereas cell infusions intra-arterially into the spleen led to translocation and engraftment of transplanted cells in the liver, with significantly fewer microembolisms compared to intraportal application. These findings demonstrate that MRI can be a valuable tool for noninvasive elucidation of cellular processes of LCT and-if clinically applicable MPIO are available-for monitoring of LCT under clinical conditions. Moreover, the results clarify mechanisms relevant for clinical practice of LCT, suggesting that the intra-arterial route to the spleen deserves further evaluation.

Intracellular nanoparticle coating stability determines nanoparticle diagnostics efficacy and cell functionality

Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are frequently employed in biomedical research as magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents where high intracellular levels are required to clearly depict signal alterations. To date, the toxicity and applicability of these particles have not been completely unraveled. Here, we show that endosomal localization of different iron oxide particles results in their degradation and in reduced MR contrast, the rate of which is governed mainly by the stability of the coating. The release of ferric iron generates reactive species, which greatly affect cell functionality. Lipid-coated NPs display the highest stability and furthermore exhibit intracellular clustering, which significantly enhances their MR properties and intracellular persistence. These findings are of considerable importance because, depending on the nature of the coating, particles can be rapidly degraded, thus completely annihilating their MR contrast to levels not detectable when compared to controls and greatly impeding cell functionality, thereby hindering their application in functional in vivo studies.

In vitro evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents for labeling human liver cells: implications for clinical translation

PURPOSE

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising approach for non-invasive monitoring after liver cell transplantation. We compared in vitro labeling of human liver cells with nano-sized (SPIO) and micron-sized iron oxide particles (MPIO).

PROCEDURES

The cellular iron load was quantified and phantom studies were performed using 3.0-T MRI. Transferrin receptor and ferritin gene expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, transaminase leakage, and urea synthesis were investigated over 6 days.

RESULTS

Incubation with MPIO produced stronger signal extinctions in MRI at similar iron loads within shorter labeling time. MPIO had no negative effects on the cellular iron homeostasis or cell performance, whereas SPIO caused temporary ROS formation and non-physiologic activation of the iron metabolic pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that MPIO are suited for clinical translation of strategies for cellular imaging with MRI. Attention should be paid to iron release and oxidative stress caused by biodegradable contrast agents.

Quantification of cell labeling with micron-sized iron oxide particles using continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry

Detection of cells after transplantation is necessary for quality control in regenerative medicine. Labeling with micron-sized iron oxide particles enables noninvasive detection of single cells by magnetic resonance imaging. However, techniques for evaluation of the particle uptake are challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (CSAAS) for this purpose. Porcine liver cells were labeled with micron-sized iron oxide particles, and the iron concentration of the cell samples was investigated by a CSAAS spectrometer equipped with a Perkin-Elmer THGA graphite furnace. The weak iron line at 305.754 nm provides only about 1/600 sensitivity of the iron resonance line at 248.327 nm and was used for CSAAS measurements. Iron concentrations measured from labeled cells ranged from 5.8 +/- 0.3 to 25.8 +/- 0.9 pg Fe/cell, correlating to an uptake of 8.2 +/- 0.5 to 25.7 +/- 0.8 particles/cell. The results were verified by standardized morphometric evaluation. CSAAS enabled rapid quantification of particle load from small quantities of cells without extensive preparation steps. Thereby, CSAAS could be used for quality control in a clinical setting of cell transplantation.

Cationic magnetoliposomes

Magnetoliposomes (MLs) consist of nanosized, magnetisable iron oxide cores (magnetite, Fe(3)O(4)) which are individually enveloped by a bilayer of phospholipid molecules. To generate these structures, the so-called water-compatible magnetic fluid is first synthesized by co-precipitation of Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) salts with ammonia and the resulting cores are subsequently stabilized with lauric acid molecules. Incubation and dialysis of this suspension with an excess of sonicated, small unilamellar vesicles, ultimately, results in phospholipid-Fe(3)O(4) complexes which can be readily captured from the solution by high-gradient magnetophoresis (HGM), reaching very high yields. Examination of the architecture of the phospholipid coat reveals the presence of a typical bilayered phospholipid arrangement. Cationic MLs are then produced by confronting MLs built up of zwitterionic phospholipids with vesicles containing the relevant cationic lipid, followed by fractionation of the mixture in a second HGM separation cycle. Data, published earlier by our group (Soenen et al., ChemBioChem 8:2067-2077, 2007) prove that these constructs are unequivocal biocompatible imaging agents resulting in a highly efficient labeling of biological cells.

Functionalized 129Xe contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging

The concept of 'xenon biosensor' for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was first proposed by a Berkeley team in 2001, with evidence that hyperpolarized 129Xe bound to a biotin-labeled cryptophane can detect streptavidin at much lower concentrations (nM-microM) than is typical for contrast-enhanced MRI experiments. 129Xe biosensors have undergone many recent developments to address challenges in molecular imaging. For example, cryptophanes that exhibit 10-fold higher xenon affinity with distinct 129Xe magnetic resonance spectra have been synthesized. Also relevant are dendrimeric cryptophane assemblies and inorganic zeolites that localize many 129Xe atoms to rare targets. Finally, this article considers biosensors that produce measurable changes in 129Xe chemical shift based upon the activity of oligonucleotides, proteins, or enzymes, and includes the first cell studies.

Future directions: use of interventional MRI for cell-based therapy of Parkinson disease

Transplantation of neural cells for the treatment of neurologic disorders has garnered much attention and considerable enthusiasm from patients and physicians alike. Cell-based therapies have been proposed for a wide range of central nervous system pathologies ranging from stroke and trauma to demyelinating disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, cell transplantation for Parkinson disease (PD) has become even more attractive with the rapid advances in derivation of dopaminergic neurons from human embryonic stem cells. This article briefly reviews some of the relevant issues regarding the transplantation of cells for treatment of PD and hypothesizes how interventional MRI may be useful to optimize the surgical delivery of cells for PD and other central nervous system disorders.

Three-dimensional, in vivo MRI with self-gating and image coregistration in the mouse

Motion during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans routinely results in undesirable image artifact or blurring. Since high-resolution, three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the mouse requires long scan times for satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and image quality, motion-related artifacts are likely over much of the body and limit applications of mouse MRI. In this investigation, we explored the use of self-gated imaging methods and image coregistration for improving image quality in the presence of motion. Self-gated signal results from a modified 3D gradient-echo sequence showed detection of periodic respiratory and cardiac motion in the adult mouse-with excellent comparison to traditional measurements, sensitivity to respiration-induced tissue changes in the brain, and even detection of embryonic cardiac motion in utero. Serial image coregistration with rapidly-acquired, low-SNR volumes further enabled detection and correction of bulk changes in embryo location during in utero imaging sessions and subsequent reconstruction of high-quality images. These methods, in combination, are shown to expand the range of applications for 3D mouse MRI, enabling late-stage embryonic heart imaging and introducing the possibility of longitudinal developmental studies from embryonic stages through adulthood.

Long-term multilayer adherent network (MAN) expansion, maintenance, and characterization, chemical and genetic manipulation, and transplantation of human fetal forebrain neural stem cells

Human neural stem/precursor cells (hNSC/hNPC) have been targeted for application in a variety of research models and as prospective candidates for cell-based therapeutic modalities in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. To this end, the successful derivation, expansion, and sustained maintenance of undifferentiated hNSC/hNPC in vitro, as artificial expandable neurogenic micro-niches, promises a diversity of applications as well as future potential for a variety of experimental paradigms modeling early human neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and neurogenetic disorders, and could also serve as a platform for small-molecule drug screening in the CNS. Furthermore, hNPC transplants provide an alternative substrate for cellular regeneration and restoration of damaged tissue in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Human somatic neural stem/progenitor cells (NSC/NPC) have been derived from a variety of cadaveric sources and proven engraftable in a cytoarchitecturally appropriate manner into the developing and adult rodent and monkey brain while maintaining both functional and migratory capabilities in pathological models of disease. In the following unit, we describe a new procedure that we have successfully employed to maintain operationally defined human somatic NSC/NPC from developing fetal, pre-term post-natal, and adult cadaveric forebrain. Specifically, we outline the detailed methodology for in vitro expansion, long-term maintenance, manipulation, and transplantation of these multipotent precursors.

Magnetoliposomes: versatile innovative nanocolloids for use in biotechnology and biomedicine

The high biocompatibility and versatile nature of liposomes have made these particles keystone components in many hot-topic biomedical research areas. Liposomes can be combined with a large variety of nanomaterials, such as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocores. Because the unique features of both the magnetizable colloid and the versatile lipid bilayer can be joined, the resulting so-called magnetoliposomes can be exploited in a great array of biotechnological and biomedical applications. In this article, we highlight the use of magnetoliposomes in immobilizing enzymes, both water-soluble and hydrophobic ones, as well as their potential in several biomedical applications, including MRI, hyperthermia cancer treatment and drug delivery. The goal of this article is not to list all known uses of magnetoliposomes but rather to present some conspicuous applications in comparison to other currently used nanoparticles.

Development of multifunctional nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and noninvasive imaging of therapeutic effect

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary scientific field undergoing explosive development. Nanometer-sized particles offer novel structural, optical and electronic properties that are not attainable with individual molecules or bulk solids. Advances in nanomedicine can be made by engineering biodegradable nanoparticles such as magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, polymers, dendrimers and liposomes that are capable of targeted delivery of both imaging agents and anticancer drugs. This leads toward the concept and possibility of personalized medicine for the potential of early detection of cancer lesions, determination of molecular signatures of the tumor by noninvasive imaging and, most importantly, molecular targeted cancer therapy. Increasing evidence suggests that the nanoparticles, whose surface contains a targeting molecule that binds to receptors highly expressed in tumor cells, can serve as cancer image contrast agents to increase sensitivity and specificity in tumor detection. In comparison with other small molecule contrast agents, the advantage of using nanoparticles is their large surface area and the possibility of surface modifications for further conjugation or encapsulation of large amounts of therapeutic agents. Targeted nanoparticles ferry large doses of therapeutic agents into malignant cells while sparing the normal healthy cells. Such multifunctional nanodevices hold the promise of significant improvement of current clinical management of cancer patients. This review explores the development of nanoparticles for enabling and improving the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, the potential of nanomedicine, and the development of novel and more effective diagnostic and screening techniques to extend the limits of molecular diagnostics providing point-of-care diagnosis and more personalized medicine.

Perspectives of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging of cell dynamics in the brain

MRI is an established diagnostic tool, but it also has great attraction for use in experimental research, particularly in neuroscience and neurology. In vivo imaging of specific cell populations in the brain is particularly attractive for furthering understanding of cell behavior in animal models of neurological disease and injury. Approaches towards this end typically make use of iron oxide nanoparticles as MRI contrast agents. These contrast agents can be taken up by peripheral inflammatory cells, by endogenous CNS cell populations, or by in vitro cell cultures for transplantation experiments. Molecular imaging of functional cell status, using MRI in combination with molecular biology, is a rapidly expanding field with great promise. The present review summarizes the current status of cellular MRI in the brain in the context of ischemia models, and relevant issues and approaches that aim to improve translation of cell therapy strategies into the clinic.

Novel applications of magnetic resonance imaging to image tissue inflammation after stroke

Experimental studies suggest that stroke-induced brain damage progresses during subacute stages. Cerebral ischemic injury is associated with the induction of a series of inflammatory events, including the infiltration of circulating immune cells and activation of resident cells. Local brain inflammation is spatiotemporally related to the occurrence of delayed apoptotic cell death. Therefore, ischemia-associated inflammation may not only play a major role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration associated with stroke, but may also mediate beneficial effects such as lesion demarcation, wound healing, and tissue regeneration especially via secretion of nerve growth factors. In this context, noninvasive imaging of inflammation associated with ischemic stroke lesions could have a predictive value and may be helpful for the development of cytoprotective drugs.

Magnetic resonance imaging of human brain macrophage infiltration

Macrophage tracking by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with iron oxide nanoparticles has been developed during the last decade for numerous diseases of the CNS. Experimental studies on animal models were confirmed by first clinical applications of MRI technology of brain macrophages for multiple sclerosis, ischemic stroke lesions, and tumors. As activated macrophages act in concert with other immune competent cells, this innovative MRI approach provides new functional data on the immune reaction in these CNS diseases. The MRI detection of brain macrophages defines precise spatial and temporal patterns of macrophage involvement that helps to characterize individual neurological disorders. This approach is being explored as an in vivo marker for the clinical diagnosis of cerebral lesion activity, in experimental models for the prognosis of disease development, and to determine the efficacy of immunomodulatory treatments under clinical evaluation. Comparative brain imaging follow-up studies of blood-brain barrier leakage by MRI with gadolinium-chelates, microglia activation by positron emission tomography with radiotracer ligand PK11195 and MRI detection of macrophage infiltration provide more precise information about the pathophysiological cascade of inflammatory events in cerebral diseases. Such multimodal characterization of the inflammatory events should help in the monitoring of patients, in defining precise time intervals for therapeutic interventions, and in developing and evaluating new therapeutic strategies.