Dr. Shilpee Sachar is an Assistant Professor in School of Science at NMIMS University. The following research report is based on Dr. Sachar’s presentation in the University Day Research Colloquium where her presentation was recognized as the 2nd best presentation in the event. The research report is thus:
The therapeutic potential of stem cells for treating and possibly curing many serious diseases is a rapidly evolving area of research. However, to realize the ultimate potential of stem cells, it is necessary to understand how it interacts in the human body and how the bio-distribution of cells occurs in specified organs. Monitoring the locations of stem cells is important in order to have better understanding about the stem cells potential. In vivo tracking of stem cells can be monitored by using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have attracted a great deal of attention for stem cell tracking. Their properties depend on the particle size, shape, concentration and synthetic routes. A major limitation in using (MNPs) like SPIONs, for stem cell tracking is that in most cases they are not retained by the stem cells for longer period which creates an obstacle in monitoring stem cell biodistribution for therapeutic studies. Therefore there is a strong need for an extensive study enabling cell tracking for much longer periods in vivo.
Our research proposal aims to synthesis improved magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, using novel approaches for better uptake, more stability and greater shelf-life of labeled stem cells. The cellular viability and in vitro differentiation potential of the labeled stem cells will also be extensively studied.
Currently, we have synthesized surfactant coated MNPs using co-precipitation method. Size, shape, morphology and structure of the synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy and Dynamic light scattering techniques. After optimizing the reaction conditions we were successful in synthesizing MNPs in range of 6-8 nm. Also, the HR-TEM and EDX (electron diffraction) results show that the crystallinity of the synthesized particles is not affected by the surfactant coating. We are in the process of carrying out further surface modifications of the synthesized nanoparticles with proteins, sugars etc. These biocompatible coatings will improve the shelf life of nanoparticles inside the cell.
Further their interactions with the stem cells (human umbilical cord blood stem cells (hUCBSC)/mouse bone marrow stem cells (mBMSC)) will be extensively studied. The findings can offer insights into the stem cell-nanoparticle interactions. We will select the most promising novel (MNPs) generated during the course of this project for future in vivo studies. The ultimate goal of the research, beyond the scope of the present proposal, is the development of biocompatible labeled stem cells for human stem cell clinical therapies.
Posted by Dr. Gurumurthy Kalyanaram, Dean, Research, NMIMS University
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Nanomaterials now days are using in wide areas and so many companies are offering different ranges of nanomaterials.