Protein-conjugated quantum dots effectively delivered into living cells by a cationic nanogel

Quantum dots (QDs) have attracted attention for their potential as a cell imaging regent. However, the development of effective intracellular delivery system for QDs is needed to apply various cell lines without affecting cellular function. We reported here new QDs delivery system by using cationic nanogel consisting of cholesterol-bearing pullulan modified with an amino group (CHPNH ₂). The uptake of hybrid nanoparticles into HeLa cells was followed by flow cytometry, and confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy. Protein-conjugated QDs were effectively internalized into cells by the nanogel compared with a cationic liposome system. The hybrid nanoparticle was used to stain rabbit mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) so as to evaluate their effect on cell function. CHPNH ₂-QD hybrid nanoparticles remained detectable inside MSCs for at least 2 weeks of culture and had little effect on the in vitro chondrogenic ability of MSCs. The hybrid nanoparticles are a promising candidate as a cell tracer in tissue engineering.