Stem cell therapies have potential to combat many diseases, especially those that have no known cure. Stem cells can be monitored in vivo using non-invasive imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where cells are labelled with a contrast agent prior to transplantation. MRI contrast agents are normally split into T1 and T2 categories. Super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) generate much attention as T2 agents, and are often preferred due to high sensitivity and biocompatibility. This high sensitivity allows the visualization of stem cells within certain organs. Synthesis of SPIONs for biomedical applications typically involves synthesis of an iron oxide core, followed by some type post modification technique to render the materials hydrophilic. We have used a co-precipitation method to create a library of differently charged SPIONs simply by altering the ratio of dextran to DEAE-dextran in the co-precipitation synthesis. Increasing the charge leads to higher uptake of SPIONs thus increasing the MRI contrast.

Modulating the uptake of dextran coated SPIONs in stem cells: The effect of surface charge

249th National Meeting (2015)

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Modulating the uptake of dextran coated SPIONs in stem cells: The effect of surface charge<br />