Increasing the Efficacy of Stem Cell Therapy via Triple-Function Inorganic Nanoparticles

Stem cell therapy in heart disease is challenged by mis-injection, poor survival, and low cell retention. Here, we describe a biocompatible multi-functional silica-iron oxide nanoparticle (SIO) to help solve these issues. The nanoparticles were made via an in situ growth of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on both the external surfaces and pore walls of mesocellular foam silica nanoparticles (MCF). In contrast to prior work, this approach builds a magnetic moiety inside the pores of a porous silica structure. These materials serve three roles: drug delivery, magnetic manipulation, and imaging. The addition of Fe3O4 to the silica nanoparticles increased their colloidal stability, T2-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast, and superparamagnetism. We then used the hybrid materials as a sustained release vehicle of insulin-like growth factor—a pro-survival agent that can increase cell viability. In vivo rodent studies show that labeling stem cells with this nanoparticle increased the efficacy of stem cell therapy...