Study introduces a new method for efficient delivery of particles into stem cells
A recent study has introduced a new method for delivering particles into stem cells, which are notoriously difficult to penetrate. The discovery will make it easier to direct and enhance the processes involved in regenerative medicine.
Each type of cell has specialized properties and functions, so harnessing the potential of stem cell development means that regenerative medicine offers some of the most promising treatments for many diseases.
To control the type of cell the stem cells change into, scientists need to reprogram the cells' genes by inserting genetic information into the stem cell's nucleus, as an operator would adjust railway tracks to change the direction of a train.
However, stem cells have robust protection to stop anything from getting in, similar to our skin, so manipulating the differentiation of stem cells has been problematic.
The researchers have been working to overcome this using rat stem cells and have created a way to bypass the cells' protective barrier.
Although the discovery that it was easier for coated nanoparticles to pass into stem cells has helped to solve the delivery problem, the fundamental question of why stem cells are so difficult to enter remains.
The team, therefore, looked at the barrier surrounding the stem cells, the cell membrane, to see which characteristics gave them such unique properties.
They took stem cell samples from six rats and used a device called a sonicator, like a mini pneumatic drill, to break up the cells, then measured the amount of damage.
They found that stem cell membranes were more difficult to break when compared to other cell types that are easier to transfer genetic information into.
"Stem cell membranes seemed more robust than other cell types when sonicated. The preliminary results of the study also show that the stem cells contain more cholesterol in their cell membranes," says Dr Ruan.
"This extra cholesterol makes the membrane more rigid, similar to the problems caused by cholesterol in our blood vessels. This may be why it is so difficult for nanoparticles to pass through the membrane of stem cells, though much more research is required to confirm this."
Although the results are preliminary, this understanding of stem cell properties will further aid the development of stem cell delivery using coated nanoparticles and the optimisation of future regenerative therapies.
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