Magnetic labeling ; Stem cell ; Ultrasensitive ; Monitoring ; Magnetic resonance imaging ; Nanomedicine
Abstract
For efficient labeling and tracking via magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of human mesenchymal stem cells (h-MSCs), magnetic labeling agents must be responsive to an external magnetic field. Thus, we developed ultrasensitive magnetoplex as a magnetic labeling agent composed of PEGylated MnFe2O4 nanocrystals (PMNCs) and polycationics (poly-l-lysine, PLL) for efficient labeling of the h-MSCs and monitoring of the transplanted h-MSCs for a long term. PMNCs were prepared by nanoemulsion methods composed of MnFe2O4 nanocrystals (MNCs) and amphiphilic polymers (mPEG–dodecanoic acid). The prepared PMNCs exhibited excellent biocompatibility and their polycationic complexes (PMNCs/PLL) demonstrated remarkable sensitivity compared with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MION)/PLL or Ferumoxides/PLL. Furthermore, PMNCs demonstrated the potentials for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies with potential applications in various biomedical fields