Precursor structure-determined fluorescence labeling for mesenchymal stem cells among four polyethylenimine-based...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are emerging nanomaterials with diverse applications.
• Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a versatile polymer for synthesizing functional nanomaterials.
• Efficient labeling of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is crucial for tracking and therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize PEI-based CQDs using different precursors.
• To evaluate the labeling efficiency and cytotoxicity of these CQDs for MSCs.
• To identify key factors influencing MSC labeling by PEI-based CQDs.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis of PEI-based CQDs using citric acid (CA), glucose (G), hyaluronic acid (HA), and boron nitride (BN).
• In vitro evaluation of labeling efficiency and cytotoxicity on MSCs.
• Surface potential and component analysis of synthesized CQDs.

Main Results:

• PEI-based CQDs synthesized with linear citric acid (PEICA) exhibited the highest labeling efficiency (100.00 ± 0.26%) and lowest cytotoxicity (100.89 ± 18.00%) for MSCs.
• PEIG, PEIHA, and PEIBN showed progressively lower labeling efficiencies and varying cytotoxicity.
• Surface potential and precursor biocompatibility were identified as critical factors affecting MSC labeling.

Conclusions:

• Linear citric acid is the optimal precursor for synthesizing PEI-based CQDs with high MSC labeling performance.
• The study provides insights into designing CQDs for enhanced MSC labeling efficiency.
• Understanding structure-property relationships is key for developing effective nanomaterial-based cell labeling strategies.