Magnetic resonance imaging of pancreatic islets using tissue-adhesive particles containing iron oxide nanoparticles

J Control Release. 2023 Dec:364:37-45. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.10.008. Epub 2023 Oct 25.

Abstract

Post-transplantation tracking of pancreatic islets is a prerequisite for advancing cell therapy to treat type 1 diabetes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a safe and non-invasive technique for visualizing cells in clinical applications. In this study, we proposed a novel MRI contrast agent formulation by encapsulating iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles functionalized with a tissue adhesive polydopamine (PD) layer (IONP-PLGA-PD MS). Intriguingly, our particles facilitated efficient and robust labeling through a one-step process, allowing for the incorporation of a substantial amount of IONPs without detrimental impacts on the viability and functionality of pancreatic islets. The MRI signals emanating from islets labeled using our particles were found to be stable over 30 days in vitro and 60 days when transplanted under kidney capsules of diabetic mice. These results suggest that our approach provides a potential platform for monitoring the fate of pancreatic islets after transplantation.

Keywords: Contrast agent; Islet transplantation; MRI tracking; Polymeric microspheres; Type 1 diabetes; iron oxide nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental* / diagnostic imaging
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental* / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental* / therapy
  • Islets of Langerhans Transplantation* / methods
  • Islets of Langerhans* / diagnostic imaging
  • Islets of Langerhans* / metabolism
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles*
  • Mice
  • Tissue Adhesives*

Substances

  • Tissue Adhesives
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles