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Published on: September 27, 2013
Poly(ethyleneimine) functionalized carbon nanotubes as efficient nano-vector for transfecting mesenchymal stem cells
Hanieh Moradian1, Hamidreza Fasehee2, Hamid Keshvari3
1Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran 14965/161, Iran; Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran 15875/4413, Iran.
Polyethyleneimine-grafted carbon nanotubes combined with chitosan efficiently deliver genes into bone marrow stem cells. This novel gene delivery system shows high cellular uptake and sustained gene expression with minimal toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) require functionalization for aqueous compatibility and genetic material binding in gene delivery systems.
- Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are challenging to transfect, necessitating efficient gene delivery methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an efficient gene delivery system using polyethyleneimine grafted multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PEI-g-MWCNTs) and chitosan.
- To assess the transfection efficiency of PEI-g-MWCNTs for delivering enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) into BMSCs.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of PEI-g-MWCNTs using FT-IR, DLS, and zeta potential measurements.
- Evaluation of DNA binding affinity, cellular uptake, transfection efficiency, and cytotoxicity via agarose gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, cytochemistry, and MTT assay.
Main Results:
- PEI-g-MWCNTs exhibited negligible cytotoxicity under optimal transfection conditions.
- High cellular uptake (>82%) of PEI-g-MWCNTs was observed in BMSCs.
- Effective delivery and sustained expression of EGFP gene in BMSCs were achieved.
Conclusions:
- PEI-g-MWCNTs in combination with chitosan substrates represent a promising gene delivery system for BMSCs.
- This system holds potential for regenerative medicine and clinical applications involving BMSCs.
