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Published on: March 31, 2008
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Human Forebrain Organoid-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Labeling with Iron Oxides for In Vitro Magnetic Resonance
Chang Liu1, Shannon Helsper1,2, Mark Marzano1
1Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA.
Biomedicines
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles effectively label extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from brain organoids. This USPIO labeling enhances MRI contrast, enabling in vitro tracking for potential neurological disorder therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for intercellular communication and hold therapeutic potential for neurological disorders.
- Clinical use of EVs is hindered by poor targeting and low efficacy after intravenous administration.
- Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles can improve EV targeting, with ultrasmall SPIO (USPIO) being ideal for nanoscale EVs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of USPIO labeling for tracking brain organoid-derived EVs.
- To evaluate the impact of USPIO labeling on EV characteristics and MRI contrast.
Main Methods:
- Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were differentiated into forebrain neural progenitor cortical organoids (iNPCo).
- EVs were isolated from iNPCo and labeled with USPIOs via sonication.
- Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) assessed EV size, concentration, and miRNA content.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluated the contrast enhancement of USPIO-labeled EVs.
Main Results:
- USPIO labeling did not significantly alter EV size distribution but decreased particle concentration and specific miRNAs (miR-21, miR-133b).
- USPIO-labeled EVs generated significantly higher MRI contrast compared to unlabeled EVs.
- USPIO-labeled EVs exhibited reduced T2 and T2* relaxation times, indicating enhanced MRI visibility.
Conclusions:
- USPIO labeling is a viable method for in vitro tracking of brain organoid-derived EVs.
- This technique enhances MRI contrast, facilitating the monitoring of EV distribution.
- USPIO-labeled EVs show promise for future in vivo studies in neurological disease models.
