Cell Labeling with Gd-Based MRI Agents: Recent Achievements Using Sonoporation in the Presence of Liposomes.

Giuseppe Ferrauto¹, Pierangela Giustetto¹, Daniela Delli Castelli¹, Marta Ruzza¹, Francesca Garello¹, Silvio Aime¹, Enzo Terreno¹

The development of innovative strategies for labeling cells with Gd-based MRI agents is an important topic. It has been demonstrated that the ability of a labeling agent to generate a contrast when internalized into a cell is significantly higher if it is localized in the cytosol. Ultrasound stimulation can permeabilize cell membranes, allowing the passage of molecules from the external solution to cytosol. The purpose of this work was to design a proper experimental set-up for optimizing the cell labeling procedure via sonoporation. Furthermore the study was aimed at evaluating the effect of the presence of liposomes on labeling efficiency.