Gold nanoparticle labeling of cells is a sensitive method to investigate cell distribution and migration in animal models of human disease

The ability to track cells in small-animal models of human disease is important because it gives the potential to improve our understanding of the processes of disease progression as well as our understanding of the therapeutic effects of interventions. In this study gold nanoparticles have been used as a permanent marker of implanted normal and malignant cell grafts in combination with a suitable x-ray apparatus. Using x-ray computed tomography the micrometric three-dimensional distribution of these marked cells could be displayed with penetration depth, high cell sensitivity and high spatial resolution in rodent models of human diseases. In principle the method allows quantification of cell numbers at any anatomical location over time in small animals.From the Clinical EditorIn this paper, a gold nanoparticle based cell labeling method is presented for in vivo cell tracking via micro-CT. Although a tumor model is shown in this pilot experiment, the method can theoretically be utilized in cell labeling experiments of any kind.

Graphical AbstractIn this work colloidal gold nano particles have been used as a permanent marker of implanted cell grafts in combination with a suitable X-ray apparatus. Utilizing X-ray computed tomography the micrometric three-dimensional bio-distribution of these marked cells could be displayed with high penetration depth, high cell sensitivity and high spatial resolution in animal models of human diseases.Shown here are 4 mm thick coronal CT slices reconstructed from data sets of two rat heads holding brain tumours based on 600,000 implanted tumour cells. In both cases the tumours grew for 14 days. The tumour generated from non-labelled naïve C6 cells cannot be seen (right panel). Only the tumour from gold loaded tumour cells is visible (left panel). In principle the method allows longitudinal quantification of cell numbers at any anatomical location of small animals.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (75 K)Download as PowerPoint slide