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Updated: Mar 1, 2026
In vitro Labeling of Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: August 3, 2008
The Magnetic Field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems Does Not Affect Cells Labeled with Micrometer-Sized Iron
Martin Kluge1, Annekatrin Leder1, Karl H Hillebrandt1
11 Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte and Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany .
Introduction:
Labeling using iron oxide particles enables cell tracking through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the magnetic field can affect the particle-labeled cells. Here, we investigated the effects of a clinical MRI system on primary human hepatocytes labeled using micrometer-sized iron oxide particles (MPIOs).
Methods:
HuH7 tumor cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of biocompatible, silica-based, micrometer-sized iron oxide-containing particles (sMPIOs; 40-160 particles/cell). Primary human hepatocytes were incubated with 100 sMPIOs/cell. The particle-labeled cells and the native cells were imaged using a clinical 3.0 T MRI system, whereas the control groups of the labeled and unlabeled cells were kept at room temperature without exposure to a magnetic field. Viability, formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), aspartate aminotransferase leakage, and urea and albumin synthesis were assessed for a culture period of 5 days.
Results:
The dose finding study showed no adverse effects of the sMPIOs labeling on HuH7 cells. MRI had no adverse effects on the morphology of the sMPIO-labeled primary human hepatocytes. Imaging using the T1- and T2-weighted sequences did not affect the viability, transaminase leakage, formation of ROS, or metabolic activity of the sMPIO-labeled cells or the unlabeled, primary human hepatocytes.
Conclusion:
sMPIOs did not induce adverse effects on the labeled cells under the conditions of the magnetic field of a clinical MRI system.
Insights
Micrometer-sized iron oxide particles (MPIOs) for cell tracking via MRI are safe for primary human hepatocytes. Clinical MRI systems do not adversely affect MPIO-labeled cells, ensuring reliable cell imaging and tracking.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical imaging
- Cell biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Iron oxide particles (MPIOs) are used for cell tracking with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Potential magnetic field effects on MPIO-labeled cells require investigation for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of a clinical 3.0 T MRI system on primary human hepatocytes labeled with micrometer-sized iron oxide particles (sMPIOs).
Main Methods:
- HuH7 cells and primary human hepatocytes were labeled with sMPIOs.
- Labeled and unlabeled cells underwent MRI imaging or were kept as controls.
- Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, enzyme leakage, and metabolic functions were evaluated over 5 days.
Main Results:
- sMPIO labeling showed no adverse effects on HuH7 cells.
- MRI exposure did not alter the morphology, viability, or metabolic activity of sMPIO-labeled primary human hepatocytes.
- No significant differences were observed in ROS formation or transaminase leakage between labeled and unlabeled cells post-MRI.
Conclusions:
- Silica-based micrometer-sized iron oxide particles (sMPIOs) are safe for labeling primary human hepatocytes.
- Clinical MRI systems do not induce adverse effects on MPIO-labeled cells, validating their use for in vivo cell tracking.
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