Dian Respati Arifin1,2, Kannie W.Y. Chan1,2,
Guanshu Liu1,3, Amanda Cardona1, Muksit Jamil1,
Jeff W.M. Bulte1,2, Michael T. McMahon1,3
1Radiology, Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; 2Cell Imaging
Section, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; 3F.M. Kirby Center for
Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
Cell
transplantation is a potential treatment for various diseases such as type I
diabetes, liver failure and cardiovascular disorders. Encapsulation of cells
inside semi-permeable microcapsules offers immunoprotection for the cells and
recipient. We have developed new biodegradable microcapsules using
polycationic peptides from our library of CEST agents that are detectable by
MRI. These DIACEST capsules are pH-responsive and can be used to monitor
biological events, which are accompanied by pH changes. Human pancreatic
cells encapsulated inside these microcapsules were alive and functional for
at least 27 days in vitro. We also
demonstrate that these microcapsules can detect cell apoptosis in vitro.
Keywords