Efficient Labeling of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

Stem cells have been used in multiple clinical trials. Tracking these transplanted cells in vivo will provide real-time information on the fate of these cells. Iron oxide labeling is one such uncomplicated noninvasive labeling method. These transformed nanocrystals can be used for varied applications including stem-cell tracking, magnetic resonance imaging, and theranostics. Here we elucidate the protocol for iron oxide nanoparticles synthesis (IONPS) and labeling of mesenchymal stem cells which can be used for imaging and tracking cells to understand their fate in in vivo studies.