COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MAGNETICALLY LABELING CELLS

摘要

A composition that includes magnetic-responsive coated metal oxide particles mixed with at least one transfection agent. According to one particular embodiment, the mixing is done in the presence of a cell culture medium. There is also provided a method of labeling living cells to render the cells magnetic resonance sensitive that involves contacting the cells to be labeled with a mixture of (i) magnetic-responsive coated metal oxide particles and (ii) at least one transfection agent, and allowing the mixture to be internalized by the cells.