Abstract
Stem cell therapy is one of the novel and prospective fields. The ability of stem cells to differentiate into different lineages makes them attractive candidates for several therapies. It is essential to understand the cell fate, distribution, and function of transplanted cells in the local microenvironment before their applications. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an accurate and reliable labeling method of stem cells for imaging techniques to track their translocation after transplantation. The graphitic quantum dots (GQDs) are selected among various stem cell labeling and tracking strategies which have high photoluminescence ability, photostability, relatively low cytotoxicity, tunable surface functional groups, and delivering capacity. Since GQDs interact easily with the cell and interfere with cell behavior through surface functional groups, an appropriate surface modification needs to be considered to get close to the ideal labeling nanoprobes. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used to improve biocompatibility while simultaneously maintaining the photoluminescent potentials of GQDs. The biochemically inert PEG successfully covered the surface of GQDs. The PEG-GQDs composites show adequate bioimaging capabilities when internalized into neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). Furthermore, the bio-inertness of the PEG-GQDs is confirmed. Herein, we introduce the PEG-GQDs as a valuable tool for stem cell labeling and tracking for biomedical therapies in the field of neural regeneration.
Highlights
The results demonstrated that 320 μg/mL polyethylene glycol (PEG)-graphitic quantum dots (GQDs) treatment did not affect the differentiation process of rat neural stem/progenitor cells (rNSPCs) towards both neurons and glial cells
The assays related to some useful information for future explorations of a biocompatible and visible on-target the biological effects on rNSPCs showed that the PEG-GQDs exhibited excellent biocompatprobe for the different therapies for neurological disorders
The uniform-sized, water-solibilities, bioimaging property without weakening the rNSPCs’ activity, and differentiation uble, and light-emitting GQDs are successfully combined with the PEG that is used to ability under concentrations up to 320 μg/mL
Summary
There is a strong need for stem cell based treatment methods due to the limited self-repair and regeneration ability of nerve tissue, especially in neurological disorders including spinal cord injury and traumatic and ischemic brain injury. These disorders have very high morbidity, which can cause disability with lifelong economic and emotional cost or even death [3,4]. In many instances, the scientific rationale and preclinical efficacy remains obscured due to the problematic tracking and monitoring of transplanted stem cells Research of these biological processes necessitates affordable analytical tools with high resolution, high sensitivity, and the capability to perform multiplexed analysis. The accuracy of the investigation of the stem cell’s behavior after transplantation in the nerve tissues will be improved and successful evaluation of the progress will exclude interference caused by the materials
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
