Long-term stem cell labeling by collagen-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Stem cell-based therapies require reliable methods for monitoring grafted cells to ensure safety and efficacy.
• Current stem cell labeling techniques often face limitations in cytocompatibility or long-term retention.
• Developing advanced imaging probes is essential for tracking cell behavior in therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate collagen-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (Col-SWCNTs) as novel imaging probes for human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).
• To evaluate the cytocompatibility, cellular internalization, and long-term retention of Col-SWCNTs in hMSCs.
• To assess the potential of Raman scattering from SWCNTs for imaging labeled stem cells.

Main Methods:

• Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were labeled using collagen-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (Col-SWCNTs).
• Cellular internalization and proliferation of labeled hMSCs were assessed.
• Differentiation potential of labeled hMSCs was evaluated.
• Raman scattering properties of SWCNTs were utilized for imaging.

Main Results:

• Col-SWCNTs demonstrated efficient internalization into hMSCs.
• Stem cell proliferation and differentiation capabilities were not adversely affected by Col-SWCNT labeling.
• Col-SWCNTs exhibited prolonged retention within cells for up to two weeks.
• Raman imaging successfully visualized SWCNT-labeled hMSCs.

Conclusions:

• Col-SWCNTs serve as effective and cytocompatible probes for labeling hMSCs.
• The developed method enables long-term monitoring of stem cells, supporting the assessment of cell-based therapies.
• Col-SWCNTs show significant potential for advanced stem cell tracking applications in regenerative medicine.