Noninvasive tracking of mpeg-poly(Ala) hydrogel-embedded min6 cells after subcutaneous transplantation in mice

Jyuhn Huarng Juang*, Hsiu Chao Lin, Chen Yi Chen, Chen Wei Kao, Chen Ling Chen, Shu Ting Wu, Sung Han Lin, Chia Rui Shen, Jiun Jie Wang, Zei Tsan Tsai, I. Ming Chu*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recently, we demonstrated the feasibility of subcutaneous transplantation of MIN6 cells embedded in a scaffold with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (mPEG)-poly(Ala) hydrogels. In this study, we further tracked these grafts using magnetic resonance (MR) and bioluminescence imag-ing. After being incubated overnight with chitosan-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (CSPIO) nanoparticles and then mixed with mPEG-poly(Ala) hydrogels, MIN6 cells appeared as dark spots on MR scans. For in vivo experiments, we transfected MIN6 cells with luciferase and/or incubated them overnight with CSPIO overnight; 5 × 106 MIN6 cells embedded in mPEG-poly(Ala) hydrogels were transplanted into the subcutaneous space of each nude mouse. The graft of CSPIO-labeled MIN6 cells was visualized as a distinct hypointense area on MR images located at the implantation site before day 21. However, this area became hyperintense on MR scans for up to 64 days. In addition, positive bioluminescence images were also observed for up to 64 days after transplantation. The histology of removed grafts showed positive insulin and iron staining. These results indicate mPEG-poly(Ala) is a suitable scaffold for β-cell encapsulation and transplantation. Moreover, MR and bioluminescence imaging are useful noninvasive tools for detecting and monitoring mPEG-poly(Ala) hydrogel-embedded MIN6 cells at a subcutaneous site.

Original languageEnglish
Article number885
JournalPolymers
Volume13
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 02 03 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Keywords

  • Bioluminescence imaging
  • MIN6 cells
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Subcutaneous transplantation
  • Thermosensitive hydrogels

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