Effect of Electromagnetic Field on Nano-Stem Cell Complex for the Treatment of Hypoxic Brain Cells in Vitro

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a complex cellular system and physiological barrier composed of endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytic foot processes which is important for maintaining cerebral homeostasis. Ischemia-induced brain hypoxic change could increase cerebrovascular permeability with concomitant cerebral edema by modulating gene expression and contributes to both neuronal and vascular damage. Stem cells originated from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the capacity of self-renewal and differentiation into diverse cell types. It has been reported that these stem cells have the potential for the treatment of some neurological disorders, such as stroke. The in vitro BBB model in a triple co-culture setting is a useful tool for the research on BBB permeability. Magnetic nanoparticles were used to link stem cells, neurotrophic factors or drugs across BBB. The permeability could be enhanced by adding a electromagnetic field (EMF). In this study, we use the magnetic nanopaticles to link three types of stem cells (iPSCs, BMSCs, hUC-MSCs), neurotrophic factors or drugs, and examine their effects on hypoxic brain cells. The in vitro BBB model is established for evaluating the biomaterial permeability, toxicity and targeting effect. Hypoxic condition can also be manipulated on this model to mimic ischemia. Furthermore, we will investigate the targeting effect of magnetic nanoparticles coupled to stem cells/neurotrophic factors/drugs or uptake by cells using a electromagnetic field in a hypoxic condition. The development of those new biomaterials is helpful for the future targeted therapy in ischemic brain injury. The BBB co-culture model can provide a platform to test the applications and feasibilities of various biomaterials prior to in vivo studies.

Project ID:PC10107-0054
External Project ID:NSC101-2314-B182A-104