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Ligand-free upconversion nanoparticles for cell labeling and their effects on stem cell differentiation
1Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy in Universities of Shandong, Institute for Advanced Interdisciplinary Research (iAIR), University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, People's Republic of China.
Nanotechnology
|December 18, 2019
Summary
Ligand-free upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) at specific concentrations enhance bone cell differentiation and may inhibit fat cell formation in rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). This study investigates UCNP biocompatibility for nanotechnology and biomedicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are increasingly used in bioimaging, necessitating biocompatibility assessments.
- Existing studies primarily focus on cancer cells, leaving the effects on normal cells like stem cells under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular effects of ligand-free sodium yttrium fluoride (NaYF4:Yb/Er) nanocrystals on the differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs).
- To evaluate the biocompatibility of UCNPs for potential applications in regenerative medicine and bioimaging.
Main Methods:
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy to confirm cellular uptake and distribution of NaYF4:Yb/Er nanocrystals.
- Cell viability assays at various nanoparticle concentrations.
- Alkaline phosphatase activity assays, quantitative real-time PCR for osteogenic genes, and immunofluorescence staining to assess osteogenic differentiation.
- Intracytoplasmic lipid detection to evaluate adipogenic differentiation.
Main Results:
- NaYF4:Yb/Er nanocrystals were effectively internalized and distributed within the cytoplasm of rBMSCs.
- A dose threshold for nanoparticle toxicity was determined, with specific concentrations showing no adverse effects on cell viability.
- Ligand-free NaYF4:Yb/Er nanocrystals at appropriate concentrations promoted osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs.
- Adipogenic differentiation of rBMSCs appeared to be inhibited by the presence of these UCNPs.
- The observed effects were concentration-dependent and showed a reciprocal relationship between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Ligand-free NaYF4:Yb/Er nanocrystals exhibit concentration-dependent effects on rBMSC differentiation, enhancing osteogenesis while potentially inhibiting adipogenesis.
- These findings provide crucial insights into the biocompatibility of UCNPs for normal cells, supporting their development in biomedical applications.
- The study highlights the importance of evaluating UCNP effects on stem cell differentiation for safe and effective use in nanotechnology and biomedicine.
