Nanotechnology in Stem Cell Isolation
Nanotechnology in stem cell isolation, purification, and differentiation
Cell isolation is an important step in therapy based on stem cells. Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) are used to label stem cells and help differentiate them from a multicellular mixture. Also, the use of scaffold-dependent nanomaterials and their polymers for stem cell differentiation and proliferation is of prime importance. To manage the differentiation of stem cells, various scaffold materials have been found to be potential candidates. It was found from these that Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have been most useful. Scaffolding helps provide structural support for the purposes of cell attachment and tissue development.
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Nano-substrates for SC production
Metallic Nanoparticles (NPs) possess distinct intrinsic properties such as the ability to locate high-energy atoms on their surfaces, a high surface area-to-volume ratio, high surface energy, and electron-storing capacity. They have the potential to be able to detect toxicity and also have a significant impact on SC differentiation and proliferation. They do this through a variety of mechanisms, such as the altering of signal pathways, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the alteration of many transcription factors.
When the surface of the NPs is altered with multiple biological recognition components such as DNA, aptamers, proteins, or other receptors, we get nano-biosensors, which are especially useful for monitoring cancer-related biomarkers such as those for chronic lymphocytic leukemia or breast cancer. Super-paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) NPs are another type of nanoparticle that possess the ability to migrate to an injured site by virtue of their intrinsic properties. Thus, they are a beacon of hope in the manufacturing of regenerative medicine. SPIO-NPs, i.e., Ferucarbotran NPs, can promote the proliferation of human MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) and thus can be used as a safe source for the proliferation of stem cells.
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Nanodelivery of SCs for neuron recovery
Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly becoming common the world over, with about 2.6% of the Indian population suffering from different neurodegenerative disorders, according to an independent study funded by the ICMR in 2020. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are the most common ones that affect a large population. These diseases occur when the nerve cells in the brain lose their function over time and die. The unfortunate reality is that their progress cannot be slowed, and no cure has been formulated thus far. However, the introduction of nanotechnology into stem cell technology might provide a way to flip this situation on its head.
Retinoic acid has been found to be a compound that can potentially stimulate gene transcription in the context of cell proliferation and differentiation. According to a study by Maia et al., there exist polyelectrolyte nanoparticles that can regulate the release of retinoic acid, which was found to improve the process of neurogenesis. If successful, this method will allow the delivery of molecules that aid neuron regeneration such as certain key proteins, peptides, DNA and RNA, which will ultimately aid in the successful treatment of these neurodegenerative diseases.
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Negative Effects of Metallic Nanoparticles
The interplay of nanotechnology and stem cell technology, like many other novel interdisciplinary specialties, is fraught with difficulties in bringing about and useful changes. In fact, a unique field named nanotoxicology is now fast gaining momentum for identifying the toxic effects that the use of nanomaterials, especially NPs, might cause. This specialty studies the toxic effects of NPs both in vitro and in vivo in order to ensure that there are no side effects due to the use of this technology.
While the multiple positive effects of metallic nanoparticles for the purposes of stem cell differentiation and proliferation are one side of the coin, the other side displays a few negative effects as well. The use of NPs in stem cells happens primarily through three means: nanoparticle suspension, 2D culture, and 3D culture. The specific pathways involved in the use of NPs in stem cells are complex and therefore tend to have many junctures at which toxicity occurs due to the metallic NPs. Ironically, the toxic effects of nanoparticles are due to their basic characteristics: their large surface-to-volume ratio means that the NPs are more prone to ion leaching or NP degradation.
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Thus, rigorous clinical trials need to be carried out in order to be able to use nanotechnology for cellular therapies and for serious neurodegenerative disorders. These trials need to document the toxicological effects that NPs might have on the differentiation and cell regeneration abilities of cells in order to be able to successfully integrate this technology into medical applications.
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