Assessing cell-nanoparticle interactions by high content imaging of biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles as potential contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging.

Stem cell tracking in cellular therapy and regenerative medicine is an urgent need, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) could be used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that allows visualization of the implanted cells ensuring they reach the desired sites in vivo. Herein, we report the study of the interaction of 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid (DHCA) functionalized IONPs that have desirable properties for T - weighted MRI, with bone marrow-derived primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Using the multiparametric high-content imaging method, we evaluate cell viability, formation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial health, as well as cell morphology and determine that the hMSCs are minimally affected after labelling with IONPs.

Correction: Polyol synthesis, functionalisation, and biocompatibility studies of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as potential MRI contrast agents.

Correction for 'Polyol synthesis, functionalisation, and biocompatibility studies of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as potential MRI contrast agents' by Roxanne Hachani et al., Nanoscale, 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5nr03867g.

Polyol synthesis, functionalisation, and biocompatibility studies of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as potential MRI contrast agents.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) of low polydispersity were obtained through a simple polyol synthesis in high pressure and high temperature conditions. The control of the size and morphology of the nanoparticles was studied by varying the solvent used, the amount of iron precursor and the reaction time. Compared with conventional synthesis methods such as thermal decomposition or co-precipitation, this process yields nanoparticles with a narrow particle size distribution in a simple, reproducible and cost effective manner without the need for an inert atmosphere.

Tracking stem cells in tissue-engineered organs using magnetic nanoparticles.

The use of human stem cells (SCs) in tissue engineering holds promise in revolutionising the treatment of numerous diseases. There is a pressing need to comprehend the distribution, movement and role of SCs once implanted onto scaffolds. Nanotechnology has provided a platform to investigate this through the development of inorganic magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).

Development of gadolinium based nanoparticles having an affinity towards melanin.

Small Rigid Platforms (SRPs) are sub-5 nanometre gadolinium based nanoparticles that have been developed for multimodal imaging and theranostic applications. They are composed of a polysiloxane network surrounded by gadolinium chelates. A covalent coupling with quinoxaline derivatives has been performed.