Ozkan, Serbay, Horno, Elena Urena, Saul, Reilteann Niamh, Maguire, Mahon L 
ORCID: 0009-0004-5578-7231, Poptani, Harish ORCID: 0000-0002-0593-3235, Giardiello, Marco ORCID: 0000-0003-0560-4711 and Murray, Patricia ORCID: 0000-0003-1316-148X
(2026)
Signal Intensity versus Spatial Resolution: Divergent MPI Performance of SPIONs in Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Labelling
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE, 21.
614533-.
ISSN 1176-9114, 1178-2013
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Signal Intensity versus Spatial Resolution Divergent MPI Performance of SPIONs in Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Labelling.pdf - Open Access published version Download (13MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Background and Aim: Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a highly sensitive modality for non-invasive cell tracking; however, imaging performance is strongly influenced by nanoparticle properties and intracellular behavior following labelling. In this study, four commercially available superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) - ProMag, VivoTrax, SynoMag-D, and Ferumoxytol - were evaluated for labelling efficiency and cytocompatibility in mouse mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, followed by MPI characterization of biocompatible candidates. Methods: SPION labelling efficiency and cytocompatibility were systematically evaluated across a range of iron concentrations and incubation durations using Prussian blue staining, and ATP-based viability assay respectively. Based on these outcomes, biocompatible candidates were selected for further analysis. Cells labelled with ProMag or VivoTrax for 2-hour underwent MPI characterization to evaluate signal properties, alongside transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine intracellular nanoparticle localization and distribution. Results: ProMag achieved >90% labelling efficiency at 20 µg Fe/mL, whereas VivoTrax required ≥240 µg Fe/mL to reach >75% efficiency. SynoMag-D and Ferumoxytol required transfection agents that induced cytotoxicity and were excluded. MPI analysis demonstrated a linear correlation between signal intensity and cell number for both SPIONs. ProMag-labelled cells exhibited a 2.33-fold increase in total signal intensity, closely matching the ~2.3-fold increase in intracellular iron loading, confirming iron content as the primary determinant of signal strength and detection sensitivity (limit: 7,812 cells). In contrast, VivoTrax-labelled cells produced higher maximum signal per unit iron and significantly improved spatial resolution, indicated by reduced full width at half maximum, suggesting that spatial resolution is primarily governed by particle-specific physicochemical properties and their intracellular behavior following uptake. TEM revealed ProMag predominantly as dispersed particles, whereas VivoTrax formed aggregates within endosomal structures. Conclusion: Intracellular iron loading dictates MPI signal strength, whereas particle-specific characteristics govern spatial resolution. Optimizing SPION selection is therefore essential to balance sensitivity and image quality for preclinical cell tracking applications.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | mesenchymal stromal cells, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, labelling, magnetic particle imaging, signal intensity, spatial resolution |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Science & Engineering Faculty of Science & Engineering > School of Physical Sciences Faculty of Science & Engineering > School of Physical Sciences > Chemistry Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > Women's & Children's Health Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Systems, Molec & Integrative Biology Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Systems, Molec & Integrative Biology > Inst. Systems, Molec & Integrative Biology (T&R Staff) Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Systems, Molec & Integrative Biology > Molecular & Clinical Cancer Medicine Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Tech, Infrastructure & Env Directorate Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Tech, Infrastructure & Env Directorate > Liverpool Shared Research Facilities |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Aug 2026 08:44 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Sep 2026 20:38 |
| DOI: | 10.2147/IJN.S614533 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3199658 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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