Nanotechnology and biomedical treatments using stem cells (such as therapeutic cloning) are among the newest areas of biotechnological research. The potential applications for nanotechnology in stem cell research are mainly three categories like tracking or labeling, delivery and scaffold/platforms.

Certain nanoparticles have been in use as cosmetic/skin care delivery, drug delivery and labeling. Experimentation with different types of nanoparticles such as quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and magnetic nanoparticles, on somatic cells or microorganisms, has provided the background from which stem cell research has been launched. Nanofibers are the foundation of scaffolds for stem cell culture and transplantation.

Visualizing Stem Cells

Using MRI and SPIO particlesIn the applications of nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for stem cell therapeutics, super paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles are used to enhance the contrast of MRI images. MRI labeling can be done by attaching the nanoparticles to the stem cell surface or causing uptake of the particle by the stem cell through endocytosis or phagocytosis. Nanoparticles have helped add to our knowledge of how stem cells migrate in the nervous system.

Quantum dots (Qdots) are nano-scale crystals that emit light, and are comprised of atoms from groups II-VI of the periodic table, often incorporating cadmium. They are better for visualizing cells than certain other techniques such as dyes, because of their photo stability and longevity. Qdots are used for studying cellular dynamics while differentiation of stem cells. Qdots have a shorter track record for use with stem cells than SPIO/MRI, and have only been used in vitro so far, because of the requirement for special equipment to track them in whole animals.

Regenerative medicine is an area in which stem cells hold great promise for overcoming the challenge of limited cell sources for tissue repair. Stem cell research is being pursued vigorously in laboratories all over the world in the hope of achieving major medical breakthroughs. Scientists are striving to create therapies that rebuild or replace damaged cells with tissues grown from stem cells and offer hope to people suffering from cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, spinal-cord injuries, and many other disorders.