Analytical Sciences

In Vivo Imaging Technology of Transplanted Stem Cells Using Quantum Dots for Regenerative Medicine

Hiroshi YUKAWA*1,*2 and Yoshinobu BABA*1,*2,*3,*4

*1 Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
*2 ImPACT Research Center for Advanced Nanobiodevices, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
*3 Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
*4 Health Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 2217-14 Hayashi-cho, Takamatsu 761-0395, Japan

Quantum dots (QDs) have excellent fluorescence properties in comparison to traditional fluorescence probes. Thus, the optical application of QDs is rapidly expanding to each field of analytical chemistry. In this review paper, we reviewed the application of QDs to regenerative medicine, especially stem cell transplantation therapy. The labeling of stem cells using QDs composed of semiconductor materials in combination with a chemical substance, poly-cationic liposome and cell penetrating peptide is reported. In addition, the influence of QD labeling on the pluripotency of stem cells is also reported. Finally, the in vivo imaging of transplanted stem cells in mice by QDs emitting fluorescence in the near-infrared region, which can be detected by in vivo fluorescence imaging systems such as IVIS and SAI-1000, is described. The future prospects for stem cell imaging technology by QDs are also discussed.

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