Name: cell labeling and targeting with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles
Uploaded: 2015-10-19T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Cell Labeling and Targeting with Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles at JoVE.com

The authors wish to acknowledge funding from the European Regional Development Fund &#8211; FNUSA-ICRC (no. CZ.1.05/ 1.1.00/ 02.0123), the American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant (AHA #06-35185N), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH #T32HL007111).

1. Synthesis of Magnetite Gel
<ol>
	<li>Wash all glassware by using concentrated hydrochloric acid followed by deionized water followed by ethyl alcohol. Allow to dry O/N, preferably in a drying oven. 
	CAUTION! hydrochloric acid is harmful &#8211; wear personal protective equipment and work in a fume hood; ethyl alcohol is harmful &#8211; wear personal protective equipment.</li>
	<li>Use a Dreschel bottle to de-gas 500 ml of deionized H2O by gently bubbling N2 gas for 30 mins.</li>
	<li>Set-...

<ol>
	<li>Burgess, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Targeted+delivery+of+neural+stem+cells+to+the+brain+using+MRI-guided+focused+ultrasound+to+disrupt+the+blood-brain+barrier.">Targeted delivery of neural stem cells to the brain using MRI-guided focused ultrasound to disrupt the blood-brain barrier.</a> PLoS One. 6 (11), e27877 (2011).</li><li>Nguyen, K. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mesenchymal+Stem+Cells+as+Targeted+Cell+Vehicles+to+Deliver+Drug-loaded+Nanoparticles+for+Cancer+Therapy.">Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Targeted Cell Vehicles to Deliver Drug-loaded Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy.</a> J Nanomed Nanotechol. 4 (1), e128 (2013).</li><li>Kean, T. J., Lin, P., Caplan, A. I., Dennis, J. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=MSCs:+Delivery+Routes+and+Engraftment,+Cell-Targeting+Strategies,+and+Immune+Modulation.">MSCs: Delivery Routes and Engraftment, Cell-Targeting Strategies, and Immune Modulation.</a> Stem Cells Int. , 732742 (2013).</li><li>Suzuki, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Targeted+cell+delivery+into+infarcted+rat+hearts+by+retrograde+intracoronary+infusion:+distribution,+dynamics,+and+influence+on+cardiac+function.">Targeted cell delivery into infarcted rat hearts by retrograde intracoronary infusion: distribution, dynamics, and influence on cardiac function.</a> Circulation. 110 (11 Suppl 1), II225-II230 (2004).</li><li>Garbern, J. C., Lee, R. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cardiac+stem+cell+therapy+and+the+promise+of+heart+regeneration.">Cardiac stem cell therapy and the promise of heart regeneration.</a> Cell Stem Cell. 12 (6), 689-698 (2013).</li><li>Duckers, H. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Accelerated+vascular+repair+following+percutaneous+coronary+intervention+by+capture+of+endothelial+progenitor+cells+promotes+regression+of+neointimal+growth+at+long+term+follow-up:+final+results+of+the+Healing+II+trial+using+an+endothelial+progenitor+cell+capturing+stent+(Genous+R+stent).">Accelerated vascular repair following percutaneous coronary intervention by capture of endothelial progenitor cells promotes regression of neointimal growth at long term follow-up: final results of the Healing II trial using an endothelial progenitor cell capturing stent (Genous R stent).</a> EuroIntervention. 3 (3), 350-358 (2007).</li><li>Pan, Y., Du, X., Zhao, F., Xu, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetic+nanoparticles+for+the+manipulation+of+proteins+and+cells.">Magnetic nanoparticles for the manipulation of proteins and cells.</a> Chem Soc Rev. 41 (7), 2912-2942 (2012).</li><li>Huang, Z. Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Deep+magnetic+capture+of+magnetically+loaded+cells+for+spatially+targeted+therapeutics.">Deep magnetic capture of magnetically loaded cells for spatially targeted therapeutics.</a> Biomaterials. 31 (8), 2130-2140 (2010).</li><li>Shen, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+Magnetic+Intensities+for+Mesenchymal+Stem+Cell+Targeting+Therapy+on+Ischemic+Myocardial+Repair:+High+Magnetic+Intensity+Improves+Cell+Retention+but+Has+No+Additional+Functional+Benefit.">Comparison of Magnetic Intensities for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Targeting Therapy on Ischemic Myocardial Repair: High Magnetic Intensity Improves Cell Retention but Has No Additional Functional Benefit.</a> Cell Transplant. , (2014).</li><li>Cheng, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetic+antibody-linked+nanomatchmakers+for+therapeutic+cell+targeting.">Magnetic antibody-linked nanomatchmakers for therapeutic cell targeting.</a> Nat Commun. 5, 4880 (2014).</li><li>Vandergriff, A. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetic+targeting+of+cardiosphere-derived+stem+cells+with+ferumoxytol+nanoparticles+for+treating+rats+with+myocardial+infarction.">Magnetic targeting of cardiosphere-derived stem cells with ferumoxytol nanoparticles for treating rats with myocardial infarction.</a> Biomaterials. 35 (30), 8528-8539 (2014).</li><li>Huang, Z., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetic+targeting+enhances+retrograde+cell+retention+in+a+rat+model+of+myocardial+infarction.">Magnetic targeting enhances retrograde cell retention in a rat model of myocardial infarction.</a> Stem Cell Res Ther. 4 (6), 149 (2013).</li><li>Chaudeurge, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Can+magnetic+targeting+of+magnetically+labeled+circulating+cells+optimize+intramyocardial+cell+retention.">Can magnetic targeting of magnetically labeled circulating cells optimize intramyocardial cell retention.</a> Cell Transplant. 21 (4), 679-691 (2012).</li><li>Cheng, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetic+targeting+enhances+engraftment+and+functional+benefit+of+iron-labeled+cardiosphere-derived+cells+in+myocardial+infarction.">Magnetic targeting enhances engraftment and functional benefit of iron-labeled cardiosphere-derived cells in myocardial infarction.</a> Circ Res. 106 (10), 1570-1581 (2010).</li><li>Yanai, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Focused+magnetic+stem+cell+targeting+to+the+retina+using+superparamagnetic+iron+oxide+nanoparticles.">Focused magnetic stem cell targeting to the retina using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.</a> Cell Transplant. 21 (6), 1137-1148 (2012).</li><li>Ordidge, K. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Coupled+cellular+therapy+and+magnetic+targeting+for+airway+regeneration.">Coupled cellular therapy and magnetic targeting for airway regeneration.</a> Biochem Soc Trans. 42 (3), 657-661 (2014).</li><li>El Haj, A. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+in+vitro+model+of+mesenchymal+stem+cell+targeting+using+magnetic+particle+labelling.">An in vitro model of mesenchymal stem cell targeting using magnetic particle labelling.</a> J Tissue Eng Regen Med. , (2012).</li><li>Vanecek, V., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Highly+efficient+magnetic+targeting+of+mesenchymal+stem+cells+in+spinal+cord+injury.">Highly efficient magnetic targeting of mesenchymal stem cells in spinal cord injury.</a> Int J Nanomedicine. 7, 3719-3730 (2012).</li><li>Sasaki, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Therapeutic+effects+with+magnetic+targeting+of+bone+marrow+stromal+cells+in+a+rat+spinal+cord+injury+model.">Therapeutic effects with magnetic targeting of bone marrow stromal cells in a rat spinal cord injury model.</a> Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 36 (12), 933-938 (2011).</li><li>Oshima, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enhancement+of+bone+formation+in+an+experimental+bony+defect+using+ferumoxide-labelled+mesenchymal+stromal+cells+and+a+magnetic+targeting+system.">Enhancement of bone formation in an experimental bony defect using ferumoxide-labelled mesenchymal stromal cells and a magnetic targeting system.</a> J Bone Joint Surg Br. 92 (11), 1606-1613 (2010).</li><li>Luciani, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetic+targeting+of+iron-oxide-labeled+fluorescent+hepatoma+cells+to+the+liver.">Magnetic targeting of iron-oxide-labeled fluorescent hepatoma cells to the liver.</a> Eur Radiol. 19 (5), 1087-1096 (2009).</li><li>Oshima, S., Kamei, N., Nakasa, T., Yasunaga, Y., Ochi, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enhancement+of+muscle+repair+using+human+mesenchymal+stem+cells+with+a+magnetic+targeting+system+in+a+subchronic+muscle+injury+model.">Enhancement of muscle repair using human mesenchymal stem cells with a magnetic targeting system in a subchronic muscle injury model.</a> J Orthop Sci. 19 (3), 478-488 (2014).</li><li>Ohkawa, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetic+targeting+of+human+peripheral+blood+CD133++cells+for+skeletal+muscle+regeneration.">Magnetic targeting of human peripheral blood CD133+ cells for skeletal muscle regeneration.</a> Tissue Eng Part C Methods. 19 (8), 631-641 (2013).</li><li>Tefft, B. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetizable+Duplex+Steel+Stents+Enable+Endothelial+Cell+Capture.">Magnetizable Duplex Steel Stents Enable Endothelial Cell Capture.</a> Ieee T Magn. 49 (1), 463-466 (2013).</li><li>Uthamaraj, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Design+and+validation+of+a+novel+ferromagnetic+bare+metal+stent+capable+of+capturing+and+retaining+endothelial+cells.">Design and validation of a novel ferromagnetic bare metal stent capable of capturing and retaining endothelial cells.</a> ABME. 42 (12), 2416-2424 (2014).</li><li>Polyak, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=High+field+gradient+targeting+of+magnetic+nanoparticle-loaded+endothelial+cells+to+the+surfaces+of+steel+stents.">High field gradient targeting of magnetic nanoparticle-loaded endothelial cells to the surfaces of steel stents.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U.S.A. 105 (2), 698-703 (2008).</li><li>Pislaru, S. V., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetically+targeted+endothelial+cell+localization+in+stented+vessels.">Magnetically targeted endothelial cell localization in stented vessels.</a> J Am Coll Cardiol. 48 (9), 1839-1845 (2006).</li><li>Pislaru, S. V., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetic+forces+enable+rapid+endothelialization+of+synthetic+vascular+grafts.">Magnetic forces enable rapid endothelialization of synthetic vascular grafts.</a> Circulation. 114 (1 Suppl), 314-318 (2006).</li><li>Wang, Y. X., Xuan, S., Port, M., Idee, J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Recent+advances+in+superparamagnetic+iron+oxide+nanoparticles+for+cellular+imaging+and+targeted+therapy+research.">Recent advances in superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for cellular imaging and targeted therapy research.</a> Curr Pharm Des. 19 (37), 6575-6593 (2013).</li><li>Yellen, B. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Targeted+drug+delivery+to+magnetic+implants+for+therapeutic+applications.">Targeted drug delivery to magnetic implants for therapeutic applications.</a> J Magn Magn Mater. 293 (1), 647-654 (2005).</li><li>Granot, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Clinically+viable+magnetic+poly(lactide-co-glycolide)+particles+for+MRI-based+cell+tracking.">Clinically viable magnetic poly(lactide-co-glycolide) particles for MRI-based cell tracking.</a> Magn Reson Med. , (2013).</li><li>Levy, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long+term+in+vivo+biotransformation+of+iron+oxide+nanoparticles.">Long term in vivo biotransformation of iron oxide nanoparticles.</a> Biomaterials. 32 (16), 3988-3999 (2011).</li><li>Mirshafiee, V., Mahmoudi, M., Lou, K., Cheng, J., Kraft, M. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Protein+corona+significantly+reduces+active+targeting+yield.">Protein corona significantly reduces active targeting yield.</a> Chem Commun (Camb). 49 (25), 2557-2559 (2013).</li><li>Salvati, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transferrin-functionalized+nanoparticles+lose+their+targeting+capabilities+when+a+biomolecule+corona+adsorbs+on+the+surface.">Transferrin-functionalized nanoparticles lose their targeting capabilities when a biomolecule corona adsorbs on the surface.</a> Nat Nanotechnol. 8 (2), 137-143 (2013).</li><li>Landazuri, N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetic+targeting+of+human+mesenchymal+stem+cells+with+internalized+superparamagnetic+iron+oxide+nanoparticles.">Magnetic targeting of human mesenchymal stem cells with internalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.</a> Small. 9 (23), 4017-4026 (2013).</li><li>Sun, J. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+labeling+of+endothelial+progenitor+cells+isolated+from+peripheral+blood+with+superparamagnetic+iron+oxide+nanoparticles.">In vitro labeling of endothelial progenitor cells isolated from peripheral blood with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.</a> Mol Med Rep. 6 (2), 282-286 (2012).</li><li>Zhang, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detection+of+viability+of+transplanted+beta+cells+labeled+with+a+novel+contrast+agent+-+polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated+superparamagnetic+iron+oxide+nanoparticles+by+magnetic+resonance+imaging.">Detection of viability of transplanted beta cells labeled with a novel contrast agent - polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles by magnetic resonance imaging.</a> Contrast Media Mol Imaging. 7 (1), 35-44 (2012).</li><li>Song, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Labeling+efficacy+of+superparamagnetic+iron+oxide+nanoparticles+to+human+neural+stem+cells:+comparison+of+ferumoxides,+monocrystalline+iron+oxide,+cross-linked+iron+oxide+(CLIO)-NH2+and+tat-CLIO.">Labeling efficacy of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to human neural stem cells: comparison of ferumoxides, monocrystalline iron oxide, cross-linked iron oxide (CLIO)-NH2 and tat-CLIO.</a> Korean J Radiol. 8 (5), 365-371 (2007).</li></ol>

As with any nanoparticle synthesis protocol, the purity of the reactant chemicals is critical for achieving high quality SPIONs that will have minimal cytotoxic effects. It is therefore important to purchase very pure reagents including oleic acid (&#8805;99%), iron(II) chloride tetrahydrate (&#8805;99.99%), iron(III) chloride (&#8805;99.99%), ethyl acetate (HPLC grade, &#8805;99.9%), hexane (HPLC grade, &#8805;97.0%), ammonium hydroxide (&#8805;99.99%), and sodium sulfate (&#8805;99.0%). It is of particular importance t...

Targeted delivery and capture of cells to specific sites within the body is desirable for a variety of biomedical applications. Delivery of neural stem cells to the brain by MRI-guided focused ultrasound has been proposed as a possible treatment option for neurodegenerative disease, traumatic brain injury, and stroke1. Mesenchymal stem cells are being studied for their ability to deliver anti-cancer drugs to tumors due to their natural tumor-tropic properties2,3. Cardiac stem cells have been delivered to the heart as a possible treatment for myocardial infarction4,5. Vascular stents have been developed with CD34 antibodies to capture circulating progenitor cells6. While promising, these cell targeting approaches present drawbacks including lack of cell specificity, inconsistent cell retention, and off-target cell delivery.
The overall goal of the current method is to enable magnetically directed targeting of cells for a variety of cell delivery and sorting applications. Magnetic targeting allows for controlled delivery of specific cells to a specific target site with minimal off-target effects7. The magnetic fields can be generated by implanted or external devices to safely direct the movement of magnetically-labeled cells within the body8. Numerous research efforts have focused on magnetically directed targeting of stem cells to injured tissues such as the heart9-14, retina15, lung16, skin17, spinal cord18,19, bone20, liver21, and muscle22,23 in order to improve regeneration outcomes.
Magnetic targeting of cells has also been studied extensively as a means to endothelialize implantable cardiovascular devices. A uniform and complete endothelium provides a barrier between the device and circulating blood elements to mitigate thrombosis and inflammation. Endothelial cells can be delivered to the device either prior to implantation or via the vascular system following implantation. In both cases, magnetic fields are used to capture cells to the surface of the device and retain the cells when subjected to the shear stress generated by circulating blood. Magnetic vascular stents24-27 and vascular grafts28 have both been fabricated and tested for this purpose.
Magnetic cell targeting requires a strategy for labeling cells with magnetic carrier particles. These particles can be bound to the surface of cells via antibodies or ligand/receptor pairs or they can be endocytosed into the cells. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are biodegradable, biocompatible, and readily endocytosed by a variety of cell types29. These particles effectively render a cell responsive to magnetic fields and are naturally degraded over time. SPIONs provide a straightforward and safe means of magnetically labeling cells in culture for a variety of magnetic targeting and sorting applications. A method for synthesizing SPIONs with a magnetite (Fe3O4) core and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) shell is provided. In addition, a method for labeling cells in culture with SPIONs is provided.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Ammonium Hydroxide solution, 28% NH3 in H2O, &#8805;99.99% trace metal basis</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>338818-100ML&#160;</td>
			<td>Harmful reagent - wear personal protective equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dreschel bottle, 500 mL</td>
			<td>Ace Glass</td>
			<td>5516-16</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethyl Acetate, CHROMASOLVR Plus, for HPLC, 99.9%&#160;</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>650528-1L</td>
			<td>Harmful reagent - wear personal protective equipment &#38; work in fume hood</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethyl alcohol</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>E7023</td>
			<td>Harmful reagent - wear personal protective equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Filter paper, 3 cm dia, grade 1</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>09-805P</td>
			<td>For use with glass filter funnel</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass beakers, 1 L</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>FB-101-1000</td>
			<td>For washing SPIONs</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass filter funnel, vacuum hose adapter, fits 24/40, 30 mL</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>K954100-0344&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass vial caps</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>03-391-46</td>
			<td>For use with glass vials</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass vials, 2 mL</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>03-391-44</td>
			<td>For collecting magnetite gel &#38; SPIONs</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hexane, CHROMASOLVR, for HPLC, &#8805;97.0% (GC)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>34859-1L&#160;</td>
			<td>Harmful reagent - wear personal protective equipment &#38; work in fume hood</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hydrochloric acid</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>H1758</td>
			<td>Harmful reagent - wear personal protective equipment &#38; work in fume hood</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Iron(II) chloride tetrahydrate, &#8805;99.99% trace metals basis&#160;</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>380024-5G</td>
			<td>Harmful reagent - wear personal protective equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Iron(III) chloride anhydrous, powder, &#8805;99.99% trace metals basis</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>451649-1G</td>
			<td>Harmful reagent - wear personal protective equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isomantle heater, 500 mL</td>
			<td>Voight Global</td>
			<td>EM0500/CEX1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laboratory mixer</td>
			<td>Silverson</td>
			<td>L5M-A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lyophilizer</td>
			<td>Labconco</td>
			<td>7670520</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microspatulas</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>21-401-25A</td>
			<td>For transfering magnetite gel</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NdFeB magnet, 1 in x 1 in x 1 in</td>
			<td>Amazing Magnets</td>
			<td>C1000H-M</td>
			<td>Very strong magnet, handle with care</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oleic acid, &#8805;99% (GC)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>O1008-5G&#160;</td>
			<td>Store in freezer; Harmful reagent - wear personal protective equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Overhead stirrer</td>
			<td>IKA</td>
			<td>2572201</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Overhead stirrer clamp</td>
			<td>IKA</td>
			<td>2664000</td>
			<td>For use with overhead stirrer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Overhead stirrer H-stand</td>
			<td>IKA</td>
			<td>1412000</td>
			<td>For use with overhead stirrer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate buffered saline</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>10010-023</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastic beakers, 250 mL</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>02-591-28</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PLGA PURASORB PDLG (75/25 blend)</td>
			<td>Purac</td>
			<td>PDLG 7502</td>
			<td>PDLG 7502A may be used as well; Store in freezer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pluronic F-127 powder, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>P2443-250G&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PTFE expandable blade paddle, 8 mm dia</td>
			<td>SciQuip</td>
			<td>SP4018</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PTFE vessel adapter, fits 24/40, 8 mm dia paddle</td>
			<td>Monmouth Scientific</td>
			<td>PTFE Vessel Adaptor A480</td>
			<td>For use with PTFE expandable blade paddle</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Recirculating chiller</td>
			<td>Clarkson</td>
			<td>696613</td>
			<td>For use with rotoevaporator</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Reflux condenser, fits 24/40, 250 mm</td>
			<td>Ace Glass</td>
			<td>5997-133</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rotoevaporator</td>
			<td>Clarkson</td>
			<td>216949</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Round bottom flask, 50 mL, 24/40 joint</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>Z414484</td>
			<td>For use with rotoevaporator</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rubber septa, fits 24/40</td>
			<td>Ace Glass</td>
			<td>9096-56</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Separatory funnel with stopper, 250 mL</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>10-438E</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium sulfate ACS reagent, &#8805;99.0%, anhydrous, granular</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>239313-500G&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Three neck round bottom flask, angled, 24/40 joints, 500 mL</td>
			<td>Ace Glass</td>
			<td>6948-16</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrasonic cleaner perforated pan</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>15-335-20A</td>
			<td>For use with ultrasonic cleaner</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrasonic cleaner, 2.8 L</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>15-335-20</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vacuum controller</td>
			<td>Clarkson</td>
			<td>216639</td>
			<td>For use with rotoevaporator (optional)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vacuum pump</td>
			<td>Clarkson</td>
			<td>219959</td>
			<td>For use with rotoevaporator</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

cell labeling and targeting with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

Targeted delivery of cells and therapeutic agents would benefit a wide range of biomedical applications by concentrating the therapeutic effect at the target site while minimizing deleterious effects to off-target sites. Magnetic cell targeting is an efficient, safe, and straightforward delivery technique. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are biodegradable, biocompatible, and can be endocytosed into cells to render them responsive to magnetic fields. The synthesis process involves creating magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles followed by high-speed emulsification to form a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) coating. The PLGA-magnetite SPIONs are approximately 120 nm in diameter including the approximately 10 nm diameter magnetite core. When placed in culture medium, SPIONs are naturally endocytosed by cells and stored as small clusters within cytoplasmic endosomes. These particles impart sufficient magnetic mass to the cells to allow for targeting within magnetic fields. Numerous cell sorting and targeting applications are enabled by rendering various cell types responsive to magnetic fields. SPIONs have a variety of other biomedical applications as well including use as a medical imaging contrast agent, targeted drug or gene delivery, diagnostic assays, and generation of local hyperthermia for tumor therapy or tissue soldering.

Magnetite nanoparticles are approximately 10 nm in diameter as a result of stirring an aqueous solution of iron(III) chloride and iron(II) chloride tetrahydrate at 50 &#176;C and 1,000 rpm (Figure 1). These results demonstrate successful synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles. It is important to verify the size and shape of magnetite nanoparticles taken from a small sample of the batch when attempting the synthesis for the first time. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the preferred method for visua...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Cell Labeling and Targeting with Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles at JoVE.com

Cell Labeling and Targeting with Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Targeted cell delivery is useful in a variety of biomedical applications. The goal of this protocol is to use superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) to label cells and thereby enable magnetic cell targeting approaches for a high degree of control over cell delivery and localization.

Targeted delivery of cells and therapeutic agents would benefit a wide range of biomedical applications by concentrating the therapeutic effect at the ...

cell-labeling-targeting-with-superparamagnetic-iron-oxide

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

Soft Lithographic Functionalization and Patterning Oxide-free Silicon and Germanium

The development of hybrid electronic devices relies in large part on the integration of (bio)organic materials and inorganic semiconductors through a stable interface that permits efficient electron transport and protects underlying substrates from oxidative degradation. Group IV semiconductors can be effectively protected with highly-ordered self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) composed of simple alkyl chains that act as impervious barriers to both organic and aqueous solutions. Simple alkyl SAMs, however, are inert and not amenable to traditional patterning techniques. The motivation for immobilizing organic molecular systems on semiconductors is to impart new functionality to the surface that can provide optical, electronic, and mechanical function, as well as chemical and biological activity. 
Microcontact printing (&mu;CP) is a soft-lithographic technique for patterning SAMs on myriad surfaces.1-9 Despite its simplicity and versatility, the approach has been largely limited to noble metal surfaces and has not been well developed for pattern transfer to technologically important substrates such as oxide-free silicon and germanium. Furthermore, because this technique relies on the ink diffusion to transfer pattern from the elastomer to substrate, the resolution of such traditional printing is essentially limited to near 1 &mu;m.10-16
In contrast to traditional printing, inkless &mu;CP patterning relies on a specific reaction between a surface-immobilized substrate and a stamp-bound catalyst. Because the technique does not rely on diffusive SAM formation, it significantly expands the diversity of patternable surfaces. In addition, the inkless technique obviates the feature size limitations imposed by molecular diffusion, facilitating replication of very small (&lt;200 nm) features.17-23 However, up till now, inkless &mu;CP has been mainly used for patterning relatively disordered molecular systems, which do not protect underlying surfaces from degradation.
Here, we report a simple, reliable high-throughput method for patterning passivated silicon and germanium with reactive organic monolayers and demonstrate selective functionalization of the patterned substrates with both small molecules and proteins. The technique utilizes a preformed NHS-reactive bilayered system on oxide-free silicon and germanium. The NHS moiety is hydrolyzed in a pattern-specific manner with a sulfonic acid-modified acrylate stamp to produce chemically distinct patterns of NHS-activated and free carboxylic acids. A significant limitation to the resolution of many &mu;CP techniques is the use of PDMS material which lacks the mechanical rigidity necessary for high fidelity transfer. To alleviate this limitation we utilized a polyurethane acrylate polymer, a relatively rigid material that can be easily functionalized with different organic moieties. Our patterning approach completely protects both silicon and germanium from chemical oxidation, provides precise control over the shape and size of the patterned features, and gives ready access to chemically discriminated patterns that can be further functionalized with both organic and biological molecules. The approach is general and applicable to other technologically-relevant surfaces.

Here we describe a simple method for patterning oxide-free silicon and germanium with reactive organic monolayers and demonstrate functionalization of the patterned substrates with small molecules and proteins. The approach completely protects surfaces from chemical oxidation, provides precise control over feature morphology, and provides ready access to chemically discriminated patterns.

The development of hybrid electronic devices relies in large part on the integration of (bio)organic materials and inorganic semiconductors through a ...

PLGA Nanoparticles Formed by Single- or Double-emulsion with Vitamin E-TPGS

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biocompatible member of the aliphatic polyester family of biodegradable polymers. PLGA has long been a popular choice for drug delivery applications, particularly since it is already FDA-approved for use in humans in the form of resorbable sutures. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs are encapsulated in PLGA particles via single- or double-emulsion. Briefly, the drug is dissolved with polymer or emulsified with polymer in an organic phase that is then emulsified with the aqueous phase. After the solvent has evaporated, particles are washed and collected via centrifugation for lyophilization and long term storage. PLGA degrades slowly via hydrolysis in aqueous environments, and encapsulated agents are released over a period of weeks to months. Although PLGA is a material that possesses many advantages for drug delivery, reproducible formation of nanoparticles can be challenging; considerable variability is introduced by the use of different equipment, reagents batch, and precise method of emulsification. Here, we describe in great detail the formation and characterization of microparticles and nanoparticles formed by single- or double-emulsion using the emulsifying agent vitamin E-TPGS. Particle morphology and size are determined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We provide representative SEM images for nanoparticles produced with varying emulsifier concentration, as well as examples of imaging artifacts and failed emulsifications. This protocol can be readily adapted to use alternative emulsifiers (e.g. poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA) or solvents (e.g.&#160;dichloromethane, DCM).

We describe the production and characterization of nanoparticles and microparticles composed of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) using vitamin E-TPGS as an emulsifier. By varying formulation parameters such as the concentration of emulsifier, it is possible to produce nanoparticles with mean diameters ranging from 220 nm to&#160;1.98 &#181;m.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biocompatible member of the aliphatic polyester family of biodegradable polymers. PLGA has long been a popular ...

Production and Targeting of Monovalent Quantum Dots

The multivalent nature of commercial quantum dots (QDs) and the difficulties associated with producing monovalent dots have limited their applications in biology, where clustering and the spatial organization of biomolecules is often the object of study. We describe here a protocol to produce monovalent quantum dots (mQDs) that can be accomplished in most biological research laboratories via a simple mixing of CdSe/ZnS core/shell QDs with phosphorothioate DNA (ptDNA) of defined length. After a single ptDNA strand has wrapped the QD, additional strands are excluded from the surface. Production of mQDs in this manner can be accomplished at small and large scale, with commercial reagents, and in minimal steps. These mQDs can be specifically directed to biological targets by hybridization to a complementary single stranded targeting DNA. We demonstrate the use of these mQDs as imaging probes by labeling SNAP-tagged Notch receptors on live mammalian cells, targeted by mQDs bearing a benzylguanine moiety.

We provide detailed instructions for the preparation of monovalent targeted quantum dots (mQDs) from phosphorothioate DNA of defined length. DNA wrapping occurs in high yield, and therefore, products do not require purification. We demonstrate the use of the SNAP tag to target mQDs to cell-surface receptors for live-cell imaging applications.

The multivalent nature of commercial quantum dots (QDs) and the difficulties associated with producing monovalent dots have limited their applications in ...

Fabrication of a Functionalized Magnetic Bacterial Nanocellulose with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

In this study, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) produced by the bacteria Gluconacetobacter xylinus is synthesized and impregnated in situ with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) (Fe3O4) to yield a magnetic bacterial nanocellulose (MBNC). The synthesis of MBNC is a precise and specifically designed multi-step process. Briefly, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) pellicles are formed from preserved G. xylinus strain according to our experimental requirements of size and morphology. A solution of iron(III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3&#183;6H2O) and iron(II) chloride tetrahydrate (FeCl2&#183;4H2O) with a 2:1 molar ratio is prepared and diluted in deoxygenated high purity water. A BNC pellicle is then introduced in the vessel with the reactants. This mixture is stirred and heated at 80 &#176;C in a silicon oil bath and ammonium hydroxide (14%) is then added by dropping to precipitate the ferrous ions into the BNC mesh. This last step allows forming in situ magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) inside the bacterial nanocellulose mesh to confer magnetic properties to BNC pellicle. A toxicological assay was used to evaluate the biocompatibility of the BNC-IONP pellicle. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to cover the IONPs in order to improve their biocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the IONP were located preferentially in the fibril interlacing spaces of the BNC matrix, but some of them were also found along the BNC ribbons. Magnetic force microscope measurements performed on the MBNC detected the presence magnetic domains with high and weak intensity magnetic field, confirming the magnetic nature of the MBNC pellicle. Young&#39;s modulus values obtained in this work are also in a reasonable agreement with those reported for several blood vessels in previous studies.

Here, we present a protocol to make a bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) magnetic for applications in damaged blood vessel reconstruction. The BNC was synthesized by G. xylinus strain. On the other hand, magnetization of the BNC was realized through in situ precipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ferrous ions inside the BNC mesh.

In this study, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) produced by the bacteria Gluconacetobacter xylinus is synthesized and impregnated in situ with iron oxide ...

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) for Intracellular Targeting Applications

Nanoparticle-based delivery vehicles have shown great promise for intracellular targeting applications, providing a mechanism to specifically alter cellular signaling and gene expression. In a previous investigation, the synthesis of ultra-small solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for topical drug delivery and biomarker detection applications was demonstrated. SLNs are a well-studied example of a nanoparticle delivery system that has emerged as a promising drug delivery vehicle. In this study, SLNs were loaded with a fluorescent dye and used as a model to investigate particle-cell interactions. The phase inversion temperature (PIT) method was used for the synthesis of ultra-small populations of biocompatible nanoparticles. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was utilized in order to establish appropriate dosing levels prior to the nanoparticle-cell interaction studies. Furthermore, primary human dermal fibroblasts and mouse dendritic cells were exposed to dye-loaded SLN over time and the interactions with respect to toxicity and particle uptake were characterized using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. This study demonstrated that ultra-small SLNs, as a nanoparticle delivery system, are suitable for intracellular targeting of different cell types.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles SLNs for Intracellular Targeting Applications

In this study, a method for synthesizing ultra-small populations of biocompatible nanoparticles was described, as well as several in vitro methods by which to assess their cellular interactions.

Nanoparticle-based delivery vehicles have shown great promise for intracellular targeting applications, providing a mechanism to specifically alter ...

Identification of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Histological Samples by Enhanced Darkfield Microscopy and Hyperspectral Mapping

Nanomaterials are increasingly prevalent throughout industry, manufacturing, and biomedical research. The need for tools and techniques that aid in the identification, localization, and characterization of nanoscale materials in biological samples is on the rise. Currently available methods, such as electron microscopy, tend to be resource-intensive, making their use prohibitive for much of the research community. Enhanced darkfield microscopy complemented with a hyperspectral imaging system may provide a solution to this bottleneck by enabling rapid and less expensive characterization of nanoparticles in histological samples. This method allows for high-contrast nanoscale imaging as well as nanomaterial identification. For this technique, histological tissue samples are prepared as they would be for light-based microscopy. First, positive control samples are analyzed to generate the reference spectra that will enable the detection of a material of interest in the sample. Negative controls without the material of interest are also analyzed in order to improve specificity (reduce false positives). Samples can then be imaged and analyzed using methods and software for hyperspectral microscopy or matched against these reference spectra in order to provide maps of the location of materials of interest in a sample. The technique is particularly well-suited for materials with highly unique reflectance spectra, such as noble metals, but is also applicable to other materials, such as semi-metallic oxides. This technique provides information that is difficult to acquire from histological samples without the use of electron microscopy techniques, which may provide higher sensitivity and resolution, but are vastly more resource-intensive and time-consuming than light microscopy.

Enhanced darkfield microscopy and hyperspectral imaging with spectral mapping enable screening, localization, and identification of nanoscale materials in histological samples with improved speed and accuracy over traditional methods. The goal of this paper is to provide methods for darkfield imaging and hyperspectral mapping of metal oxide nanoparticles in histological samples.

Nanomaterials are increasingly prevalent throughout industry, manufacturing, and biomedical research. The need for tools and techniques that aid in the ...

Microwave-driven Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Fast Detection of Atherosclerosis

A fast and reproducible microwave-driven protocol has been developed for the synthesis of neridronate-functionalized nanoparticles. Starting from the synthesis of hydrophobic nanoparticles, our method is based on an adaptation from thermal decomposition method to microwave driven synthesis. The new methodology produces a decrease in the reaction times in comparison with traditional procedures. Moreover, the use of the microwave technology increases the reproducibility of the reactions, something important from the point of view of clinical applications. The novelty of this iron oxide nanoparticle is the attachment of Neridronate. The use of this molecule leads a bisphosphonate moiety towards the outside of the nanoparticle that provides Ca2+ binding properties in vitro and selective accumulation in vivo in the atheroma plaque. The protocol allows the synthesis and plaque detection in about 3 hr since the initial synthesis from organic precursors. Their accumulation in the atherosclerotic area in less than 1 hr provides a contrast agent particularly suitable for clinical applications.

Microwave technology enables extremely fast synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles for atherosclerosis plaque characterization. The use of an aminobisphosphonate in the external side of the nanoparticle provides a fast accumulation in the atherosclerotic area.

A fast and reproducible microwave-driven protocol has been developed for the synthesis of neridronate-functionalized nanoparticles. Starting from the ...

Initial Evaluation of Antibody-conjugates Modified with Viral-derived Peptides for Increasing Cellular Accumulation and Improving Tumor Targeting

Antibody-conjugates (ACs) modified with virus-derived peptides are a potentially powerful class of tumor cell delivery agents for molecular payloads used in cancer treatment and imaging due to increased cellular accumulation over current ACs. During early AC in vitro development, fluorescence techniques and radioimmunoassays are sufficient for determining intracellular localization, accumulation efficiency, and target cell specificity. Currently, there is no consensus on standardized methods for preparing cells for evaluating AC intracellular accumulation and localization. The initial testing of ACs modified with virus-derived peptides is critical especially if several candidates have been constructed. Determining intracellular accumulation by fluorescence can be affected by background signal from ACs at the cell surface and complicate the interpretation of accumulation. For radioimmunoassays, typically treated cells are fractionated and the radioactivity in different cell compartments measured. However, cell lysis varies from cell to cell and often nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments are not adequately isolated. This can produce misleading data on payload delivery properties. The intravenous injection of radiolabeled virus-derived peptide-modified ACs in tumor bearing mice followed by radionuclide imaging is a powerful method for determining tumor targeting and payload delivery properties at the in vivo phase of development. However, this is a relatively recent advancement and few groups have evaluated virus-derived peptide-modified ACs in this manner. We describe the processing of treated cells to more accurately evaluate virus-derived peptide-modified AC accumulation when using confocal microscopy and radioimmunoassays. Specifically, a method for trypsinizing cells to remove cell surface bound ACs. We also provide a method for improving cellular fractionation. Lastly, this protocol provides an in vivo method using positron emission tomography (PET) for evaluating initial tumor targeting properties in tumor-bearing mice. We use the radioisotope 64Cu (t1/2 = 12.7 h) as an example payload in this protocol.

Viral-derived peptides coupled to antibody-conjugates (ACs) is an approach gaining momentum due to the potential of delivering molecular payloads with increased tumor cell accumulation. Utilizing common methods to evaluate peptide conjugation, AC and payload intracellular accumulation, and tumor targeting, this protocol helps researchers during the key initial development phases.

Antibody-conjugates (ACs) modified with virus-derived peptides are a potentially powerful class of tumor cell delivery agents for molecular payloads used ...

Synthesis of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activities and Cytotoxic Properties

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were treated with an aqueous sulfuric acid solution to form an oxygen-based functional group. Silver MWCNTs were prepared by the reductive deposition of silver from an aqueous solution of AgNO3 on the oxidized MWCNTs. Given the unique color of the CNTs, it was not possible to apply them to the minimum inhibitory concentration or mitochondrial toxicity assays to evaluate the toxicity and antibacterial properties, since they would interfere with the assays. The inhibition zone and minimum bactericidal concentration for the Ag-MWCNTs were measured and Live/Dead and Trypan Blue assays were used to measure the toxicity and antibacterial properties without interfering with the color of the CNTs.

In this study, antimicrobial nanomaterials were synthesized by acidic oxidation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and subsequent reductive deposition of silver nanoparticles. Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity tests were performed with the as-prepared nanomaterials.

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were treated with an aqueous sulfuric acid solution to form an oxygen-based functional group. Silver ...

Protocol for MicroRNA Transfer into Adult Bone Marrow-derived Hematopoietic Stem Cells to Enable Cell Engineering Combined with Magnetic Targeting

While CD133+ hematopoietic stem cells (SCs) have been proven to provide high potential in the field of regenerative medicine, their low retention rates after injection into injured tissues as well as the observed massive cell death rates lead to very restricted therapeutic effects. To overcome these limitations, we sought to establish a non-viral based protocol for suitable cell engineering prior to their administration. The modification of human CD133+ expressing SCs using microRNA (miR) loaded magnetic polyplexes was addressed with respect to uptake efficiency and safety as well as the targeting potential of the cells. Relying on our protocol, we can achieve high miR uptake rates of 80&#8211;90% while the CD133+ stem cell properties remain unaffected. Moreover, these modified cells offer the option of magnetic targeting. We describe here a safe and highly efficient procedure for the modification of CD133+ SCs. We expect this approach to provide a standard technology for optimization of therapeutic stem cell effects and for monitoring of the administered cell product via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

This protocol illustrates a safe and efficient procedure to modify CD133+ hematopoietic stem cells. The presented non-viral, magnetic polyplex-based approach may provide a basis for the optimization of therapeutic stem cell effects as well as for monitoring the administered cell product via magnetic resonance imaging.

While CD133+ hematopoietic stem cells (SCs) have been proven to provide high potential in the field of regenerative medicine, their low retention rates ...