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Background Posttransplant cell tracking, via stem cell labeling, is a crucial strategy for monitoring and maximizing benefits of cell-based therapies. The structures and functionalities of polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids allow their utilization in nanotechnology systems. Materials and methods In the present study, we analyzed the potential benefit of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles (NPC) using Vero cells (in vitro) and NPC-labeled adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (NPC-ADMSCs) (in vivo) in myocardial infarction and sciatic nerve crush preclinical models. Thereafter, transplantation, histological examination, real time imaging, and assessment of tissue regeneration were done. Results Transplanted NPC-ADMSCs were clearly identified and revealed potential benefit when used in cell tracking. Conclusion This approach may have broad applications in modeling labeled transplanted cells and in developing improved stem cell therapeutic strategies., Video abstract

Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles decorated with a mucoadhesive polysaccharide chitosan (CS) containing curcumin were developed aiming the buccal delivery of this drug. These nanoparticles were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method using different molar masses and concentrations of chitosan and concentrations of triblock surfactant poloxamer (PEO-PPO-PEO), in order to optimize the preparation conditions. Chitosan-coated nanoparticles showed positive surface charge and a mean particle radius ranging between 114 and 125 nm, confirming the decoration of the nanoparticles with the mucoadhesive polymer, through hydrogen bonds between ether and amino groups from PEO and CS, respectively. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) studies at different scattering angles and concentrations have shown that the nanoparticles are monodisperse (polydispersity indices were lower than 0.3). The nanoparticle systems were also examined with Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), and the results were in good agreement with those obtained by DLS. Colloidal systems showed mean drug content about 460 μg/mL and encapsulation efficiency higher than 99%. Finally, when coated with chitosan, these nanoparticles show a great ability to interact with mucin indicating also their suitability for mucoadhesive applications.