Fe3O4-PEI-RITC Magnetic Nanoparticles with Imaging and Gene Transfer Capability: Development of a Tool for Neural Cell Transplantation Therapies

Yiu, Humphrey H. P.; Pickard, Mark R.; Olariu, Cristina I.; Williams, Stephen R.; Chari, Divya M.; Rosseinsky, Matthew J.

Abstract

Purpose
To develop Fe3O4-PEI-RITC magnetic nanoparticles with multimodal MRI-fluorescence imaging and transfection capability, for use in neural cell replacement therapies.

Methods
The Fe3O4-PEI-RITC MNPs were synthesised through a multi-step chemical grafting procedure: (i) Silanisation of MNPs with 3-iodopropyltrimethoxysilane; (ii) PEI coupling with iodopropyl groups on the MNP surface; and (iii) RITC binding onto the PEI coating. The cell labelling and transfection capabilities of these particles were evaluated in astrocytes derived from primary cultures.

Results
Fe3O4-PEI-RITC MNPs did not exert acute toxic effects in astrocytes (at ≤6 days). Cells showed rapid and extensive particle uptake with up to 100% cellular labelling observed by 24 h. MRI and microscopy studies demonstrate that the particles have potential for use in bimodal MR-fluorescence imaging. Additionally, the particles were capable of delivering plasmids encoding reporter protein (approximately 4 kb) to astrocytes, albeit with low efficiencies.

Conclusions
Multifunctional Fe3O4-PEI-RITC MNPs were successfully prepared using a multi-step synthetic pathway, with the PEI and RITC chemically bound onto the MNP surface. Their combined MR-fluorescence imaging capabilities with additional potential for transfection applications can provide a powerful tool, after further development, for non-invasive cell tracking and gene transfer to neural transplant populations.

Citation

Yiu, H. H. P., Pickard, M. R., Olariu, C. I., Williams, S. R., Chari, D. M., & Rosseinsky, M. J. (2012). Fe3O4-PEI-RITC Magnetic Nanoparticles with Imaging and Gene Transfer Capability: Development of a Tool for Neural Cell Transplantation Therapies. Pharmaceutical Research, 29(5), 1328-1343. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-011-0632-1

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 16, 2011
• Online Publication Date: Dec 2, 2011
• Publication Date: 2012-05
• Deposit Date: Jun 11, 2024
• Journal: Pharmaceutical Research
• Print ISSN: 0724-8741
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-904X
• Publisher: American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 1328-1343
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-011-0632-1
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/848797