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Updated: Feb 9, 2026

In Vitro Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Functional Cardiomyocyte-like Cells
Published on: August 9, 2017
Silica nanoparticles actively engage with mesenchymal stem cells in improving acute functional cardiac integration
Jasmin Popara1, Lisa Accomasso1, Emanuela Vitale1
1Department of Clinical & Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy.
Aim:
To assess functional effects of silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) cardiac integration potential.
Methods:
SiO2-NPs were synthesized and their internalization effects on hMSCs analyzed with particular emphasis on interaction of hMSCs with the cardiac environment Results: SiO2-NP internalization affected the area and maturation level of hMSC focal adhesions, accounting for increased in vitro adhesion capacity and augmented engraftment in the myocardial tissue upon cell injection in infarcted isolated rat hearts. SiO2-NP treatment also enhanced hMSC expression of Connexin-43, favoring hMSC interaction with cocultured cardiac myoblasts in an ischemia-like environment.
Conclusion:
These findings provide strong evidence that SiO2-NPs actively engage in mediating biological effects, ultimately resulting in augmented hMSC acute cardiac integration potential.
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