PEI-Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles for Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells Labeling

Objective To label human amniotic epithelial cells(hAECs) by using PEI-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. Methods The PEI-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The primary cultured hAECs were labeled with the nanoparticles,and the labeling efficiency was evaluated by Prussian blue staining. The cell survival rate and viability were tested by using placenta blue staining and CCK-8 assay,respectively. Results The PEI-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were compact spheres with an average particle size of 13 nm,a hydrodynamic radius of 17.56 nm,and a zeta potential of+34.5 mV. The labeling efficiency of the nanoparticles on hAECs reached 91% when the concentrations were greater than 20 μg/ml. When the concentrations of nanoparticles were at 50 μg/ml(t=16.37,P<0.0001;t=10.39,P<0.0001) and 100 μg/ml(t=29.89,P<0.0001;t=16.86,P<0.0001),the cell survival rates and cell viabilities were significantly reduced versus controls. Conclusion The PEI-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles can be used for labeling hAECs without obvious cytotoxicity at its working concentration.