Using magnetic nanoparticles for gene transfer to neural stem cells: stem cell propagation method influences outcomes

Advanced Nanotechnology Approaches as Emerging Tools in Cellular-Based Technologies

Stem cells are valuable tools in regenerative medicine because they can generate a wide variety of cell types and tissues that can be used to treat or replace damaged tissues and organs. However, challenges related to the application of stem cells in the scope of regenerative medicine have urged scientists to utilize nanomedicine as a prerequisite to circumvent some of these hurdles. Nanomedicine plays a crucial role in this process and manipulates surface biology, the fate of stem cells, and biomaterials. Many attempts have been made to modify cellular behavior and improve their regenerative ability using nano-based strategies. Notably, nanotechnology applications in regenerative medicine and cellular therapies are controversial because of ethical and legal considerations. Therefore, this review describes nanotechnology in cell-based applications and focuses on newly proposed nano-based approaches. Cutting-edge strategies to engineer biological tissues and the ethical, legal, and social considerations of nanotechnology in regenerative nanomedicine applications are also discussed.

Transgene Delivery to Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Nanoparticles

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and hiPSCs-derived cells have the potential to revolutionize regenerative and precision medicine. Genetically reprograming somatic cells to generate hiPSCs and genetic modification of hiPSCs are considered the key procedures for the study and application of hiPSCs. However, there are significant technical challenges for transgene delivery into somatic cells and hiPSCs since these cells are known to be difficult to transfect. The existing methods, such as viral transduction and chemical transfection, may introduce significant alternations to hiPSC culture which affect the potency, purity, consistency, safety, and functional capacity of hiPSCs. Therefore, generation and genetic modification of hiPSCs through non-viral approaches are necessary and desirable. Nanotechnology has revolutionized fields from astrophysics to biology over the past two decades. Increasingly, nanoparticles have been used in biomedicine as powerful tools for transgene and drug delivery, imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The most successful example is the recent development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines at warp speed to combat the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which brought nanoparticles to the center stage of biomedicine and demonstrated the efficient nanoparticle-mediated transgene delivery into human body. Nanoparticles have the potential to facilitate the transgene delivery into the hiPSCs and offer a simple and robust approach. Nanoparticle-mediated transgene delivery has significant advantages over other methods, such as high efficiency, low cytotoxicity, biodegradability, low cost, directional and distal controllability, efficient in vivo applications, and lack of immune responses. Our recent study using magnetic nanoparticles for transfection of hiPSCs provided an example of the successful applications, supporting the potential roles of nanoparticles in hiPSC biology. This review discusses the principle, applications, and significance of nanoparticles in the transgene delivery to hiPSCs and their successful application in the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

Safe nanoengineering and incorporation of transplant populations in a neurosurgical grade biomaterial, DuraGen PlusTM, for protected cell therapy applications

High transplant cell loss is a major barrier to translation of stem cell therapy for pathologies of the brain and spinal cord. Encapsulated delivery of stem cells in biomaterials for cell therapy is gaining popularity but experimental research has overwhelmingly used laboratory grade materials unsuitable for human clinical use - representing a further barrier to clinical translation. A potential solution is to use neurosurgical grade materials routinely used in clinical protocols which have an established human safety profile. Here, we tested the ability of Duragen Plus™ - a clinical biomaterial used widely in neurosurgical duraplasty procedures, to support the growth and differentiation of neural stem cells- a major transplant population being tested in clinical trials for neurological pathology. Genetic engineering of stem cells yields augmented therapeutic cells, so we further tested the ability of the Duragen Plus™ matrix to support stem cells engineered using magnetofection technology and minicircle DNA vectors- a promising cell engineering approach we previously reported (Journal of Controlled Release, 2016 a &b). The safety of the nano-engineering approach was analysed for the first time using sophisticated data-independent analysis by mass spectrometry-based proteomics. We prove that the Duragen Plus™ matrix is a promising biomaterial for delivery of stem cell transplant populations, with no adverse effects on key regenerative parameters. This advanced cellular construct based on a combinatorial nano-engineering and biomaterial encapsulation approach, could therefore offer key advantages for clinical translation.

Less is more: Investigating the influence of cellular nanoparticle load on transfection outcomes in neural cells

Genetic engineering of cell transplant populations offers potential for delivery of neurotherapeutic factors to modify the regenerative microenvironment of the injured spinal cord. The use of magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-based vectors has reduced the traditional reliance on viral methods and their associated obstacles in terms of scale up and safety. Studies utilizing magnetic assistive platforms for MNP-mediated gene delivery have found transfection efficiency in astrocytes (a major transplant and homeostatic neural cell type) to be both frequency- and amplitude-dependent. It is widely assumed that increased intracellular particle load will enhance transfection efficiency in a cell population. Therefore, we tested repeat delivery of MNP:plasmid complexes in conjunction with oscillating magnetic field parameters-a process termed "magneto-multifection"-in astrocytes of primary origin in an attempt to enhance transfection levels. We show (a) levels of transfection using magneto-multifection equal that seen with viral methods; (b) reporter protein expression using two reporter plasmids shows a diverse profile of single/dual transfected cells with implications for delivery of a "cocktail" of neurotherapeutic proteins; and (c) contrary to expectation, an inverse relationship exists between particle load and reporter protein expression.

Will Nanotechnology Bring New Hope for Stem Cell Therapy?

The potential of stem cell therapy has been shown in preclinical trials for the treatment of damage and replacement of organs and degenerative diseases. After many years of research, its clinical application is limited. Currently there is not a single stem cell therapy product or procedure. Nanotechnology is an emerging field in medicine and has huge potential due to its unique characteristics such as its size, surface effects, tunnel effects, and quantum size effect. The importance of application of nanotechnology in stem cell technology and cell-based therapies has been recognized. In particular, the effects of nanotopography on stem cell differentiation, proliferation, and adhesion have become an area of intense research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Despite the many opportunities that nanotechnology can create to change the fate of stem cell technology and cell therapies, it poses several risks since some nanomaterials are cytotoxic and can affect the differentiation program of stem cells and their viability. Here we review some of the advances and the prospects of nanotechnology in stem cell research and cell-based therapies and discuss the issues, obstacles, applications, and approaches with the aim of opening new avenues for further research.

Patterned iridium oxide film as neural electrode interface: Biocompatibility and improved neurite outgrowth with electrical stimulation

Iridium (Ir) thin film was deposited on patterned titanium substrate by direct-current (DC) magnetron sputtering, and then activated in sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) through repetitive potential sweeps to form iridium oxide (IrO_x) as neural electrode interface. The resultant IrO_x film showed a porous and open morphology with aligned microstructure, exhibited superior electrochemical performance and excellent stability. The IrO_x film supported neural stem cells (NSCs) attachment, proliferation and improved processes without causing toxicity. The patterned IrO_x films offered a unique system to investigate the synergistic effects of topographical cue and electrical stimulation on neurite outgrowth. Electrical stimulation, when applied through patterned IrO_x films, was found to further increase the neurite extension of neuron-like cells and significantly reorient the neurite alignment towards to the direction of stimulation. These results indicate that IrO_x film, as electrode-tissue interface is highly stable and biocompatible with excellent electrochemical properties.

A Critical Review on Selected External Physical Cues and Modulation of Cell Behavior: Magnetic Nanoparticles, Non-thermal Plasma and Lasers

Physics-based biomedical approaches have proved their importance for the advancement of medical sciences and especially in medical diagnostics and treatments. Thus, the expectations regarding development of novel promising physics-based technologies and tools are very high. This review describes the latest research advances in biomedical applications of external physical cues. We overview three distinct topics: using high-gradient magnetic fields in nanoparticle-mediated cell responses; non-thermal plasma as a novel bactericidal agent; highlights in understanding of cellular mechanisms of laser irradiation. Furthermore, we summarize the progress, challenges and opportunities in those directions. We also discuss some of the fundamental physical principles involved in the application of each cue. Considerable technological success has been achieved in those fields. However, for the successful clinical translation we have to understand the limitations of technologies. Importantly, we identify the misconceptions pervasive in the discussed fields.

A fusion of minicircle DNA and nanoparticle delivery technologies facilitates therapeutic genetic engineering of autologous canine olfactory mucosal cells

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) promote axonal regeneration and improve locomotor function when transplanted into the injured spinal cord. A recent clinical trial demonstrated improved motor function in domestic dogs with spinal injury following autologous OEC transplantation. Their utility in canines offers promise for human translation, as dogs are comparable to humans in terms of clinical management and genetic/environmental variation. Moreover, the autologous, minimally invasive derivation of OECs makes them viable for human spinal injury investigation. Genetic engineering of transplant populations may augment their therapeutic potential, but relies heavily on viral methods which have several drawbacks for clinical translation. We present here the first proof that magnetic particles deployed with applied magnetic fields and advanced DNA minicircle vectors can safely bioengineer OECs to secrete a key neurotrophic factor, with an efficiency approaching that of viral vectors. We suggest that our alternative approach offers high translational potential for the delivery of augmented clinical cell therapies.

Melatonin antagonizes interleukin-18-mediated inhibition on neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are self‐renewing, pluripotent and undifferentiated cells which have the potential to differentiate into neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. NSC therapy for tissue regeneration, thus, gains popularity. However, the low survivals rate of the transplanted cell impedes its utilities. In this study, we tested whether melatonin, a potent antioxidant, could promote the NSC proliferation and neuronal differentiation, especially, in the presence of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐18 (IL‐18). Our results showed that melatonin per se indeed exhibited beneficial effects on NSCs and IL‐18 inhibited NSC proliferation, neurosphere formation and their differentiation into neurons. All inhibitory effects of IL‐18 on NSCs were significantly reduced by melatonin treatment. Moreover, melatonin application increased the production of both brain‐derived and glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF) in IL‐18‐stimulated NSCs. It was observed that inhibition of BDNF or GDNF hindered the protective effects of melatonin on NSCs. A potentially protective mechanism of melatonin on the inhibition of NSC's differentiation caused IL‐18 may attribute to the up‐regulation of these two major neurotrophic factors, BNDF and GNDF. The findings indicate that melatonin may play an important role promoting the survival of NSCs in neuroinflammatory diseases.

Magnetic Nanoparticle-Mediated Gene Delivery to Two- and Three-Dimensional Neural Stem Cell Cultures: Magnet-Assisted Transfection and Multifection Approaches to Enhance Outcomes

Neural stem cells (NSCs) have high translational potential in transplantation therapies for neural repair. Enhancement of their therapeutic capacity by genetic engineering is an important goal for regenerative neurology. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are major non-viral vectors for safe bioengineering of NSCs, offering critical translational benefits over viral vectors, including safety, scalability, and ease of use. This unit describes protocols for the production of suspension (neurosphere) and adherent (monolayer) murine NSC cultures. Genetic engineering of NSCs with MNPs and the application of 'magnetofection' (magnetic fields) or 'multifection' (repeat transfection) approaches to enhance gene delivery are described. Magnetofection of monolayer cultures achieves optimal transfection, but neurospheres offer key advantages for neural graft survival post-transplantation. A protocol is presented which allows the advantageous features of each approach to be combined into a single procedure for transplantation. The adaptation of these protocols for other MNP preparations is considered, with emphasis on the evaluation of procedural safety. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Nanoengineering neural stem cells on biomimetic substrates using magnetofection technology

Tissue engineering studies are witnessing a major paradigm shift to cell culture on biomimetic materials that replicate native tissue features from which the cells are derived. Few studies have been performed in this regard for neural cells, particularly in nanomedicine. For example, platforms such as magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have proven efficient as multifunctional tools for cell tracking and genetic engineering of neural transplant populations. However, as far as we are aware, all current studies have been conducted using neural cells propagated on non-neuromimetic substrates that fail to represent the mechano-elastic properties of brain and spinal cord microenvironments. Accordingly, it can be predicted that such data is of less translational and physiological relevance than that derived from cells grown in neuromimetic environments. Therefore, we have performed the first test of magnetofection technology (enhancing MNP delivery using applied magnetic fields with significant potential for therapeutic application) and its utility in genetically engineering neural stem cells (NSCs; a population of high clinical relevance) propagated in biomimetic hydrogels. We demonstrate magnetic field application safely enhances MNP mediated transfection of NSCs grown as 3D spheroid structures in collagen which more closely replicates the intrinsic mechanical and structural properties of neural tissue than routinely used hard substrates. Further, as it is well known that MNP uptake is mediated by endocytosis we also investigated NSC membrane activity grown on both soft and hard substrates. Using high resolution scanning electron microscopy we were able to prove that NSCs display lower levels of membrane activity on soft substrates compared to hard, a finding which could have particular impact on MNP mediated engineering strategies of cells propagated in physiologically relevant systems.

Part II: Functional delivery of a neurotherapeutic gene to neural stem cells using minicircle DNA and nanoparticles: Translational advantages for regenerative neurology

Both neurotrophin-based therapy and neural stem cell (NSC)-based strategies have progressed to clinical trials for treatment of neurological diseases and injuries. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in particular can confer neuroprotective and neuro-regenerative effects in preclinical studies, complementing the cell replacement benefits of NSCs. Therefore, combining both approaches by genetically-engineering NSCs to express BDNF is an attractive approach to achieve combinatorial therapy for complex neural injuries. Current genetic engineering approaches almost exclusively employ viral vectors for gene delivery to NSCs though safety and scalability pose major concerns for clinical translation and applicability. Magnetofection, a non-viral gene transfer approach deploying magnetic nanoparticles and DNA with magnetic fields offers a safe alternative but significant improvements are required to enhance its clinical application for delivery of large sized therapeutic plasmids. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of using minicircles with magnetofection technology to safely engineer NSCs to overexpress BDNF. Primary mouse NSCs overexpressing BDNF generated increased daughter neuronal cell numbers post-differentiation, with accelerated maturation over a four-week period. Based on our findings we highlight the clinical potential of minicircle/magnetofection technology for therapeutic delivery of key neurotrophic agents.

Development of Multifunctional Magnetic Nanoparticles for Genetic Engineering and Tracking of Neural Stem Cells

Genetic modification of cell transplant populations and cell tracking ability are key underpinnings for effective cell therapies. Current strategies to achieve these goals utilize methods which are unsuitable for clinical translation because of related safety issues, and multiple protocol steps adding to cost and complexity. Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) offering dual mode gene delivery and imaging contrast capacity offer a valuable tool in this context. Despite their key benefits, there is a critical lack of neurocompatible and multifunctional particles described for use with transplant populations for neurological applications. Here, a systematic screen of MNPs (using a core shown to cause contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) bearing various surface chemistries (polyethylenimine (PEI) and oxidized PEI and hybrids of oxidized PEI/alginic acid, PEI/chitosan and PEI/polyamidoamine) is performed to test their ability to genetically engineer neural stem cells (NSCs; a cell population of high clinical relevance for central nervous system disorders). It is demonstrated that gene delivery to NSCs can be safely achieved using two of the developed formulations (PEI and oxPEI/alginic acid) when used in conjunction with oscillating magnetofection technology. After transfection, intracellular particles can be detected by histological procedures with labeled cells displaying contrast in MRI (for real time cell tracking).

Deploying clinical grade magnetic nanoparticles with magnetic fields to magnetolabel neural stem cells in adherent versus suspension cultures

This is the first demonstration that oscillating magnetic fields safely promote the uptake of a clinical-grade magnetic nanoparticle (Lumirem/Ferumoxsil) into neural stem cells for non-invasive cell tracking capabilities.