Imaging of extracellular structures of human mesenchymal stem cell with carboxylated quantum dots by confocal and flim microscopy

Abstract

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have come into prominence in the field of regenerative medicine due to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Considering the possession of specific tumor-oriented migration and incorporation, MSCs show a potential and promise to be applied in cancer therapy as an ideal carrier for anticancer agents. In order to evaluate safety and mechanism of action of therapeutic cell products, cell tracking in vivo is essential. Here comes quantum dots (QDs), which as a result of their unique properties are highlighting the possibilities of their use for long-term MSCs imaging applications. In this study distribution of carboxylated quantum dots (QDs) in human MSC culture was investigated. QDs uptake dynamics and biodistribution at subcellular level were carried out using confocal fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Assessment of viability showed no cytotoxic effects of QDs on MSCs. Our study demonstrated the potential of QDs as nonspecific and effective dye for labeling of human MSCs and their extracellular structures.