The modulation of biodistribution of stem cells by anchoring lipid-conjugated heparin on the cell surface.

Heparin is a bioactive glycosaminoglycan that can interact with various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and growth factors. Lipid-conjugated heparin was synthesized, and was used to coat adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) by physical insertion on the cell membrane. Coating of lipid-conjugated heparin with two lipid moieties on ADSCs was stable for 24h in vitro. Biodistribution of heparin-coated ADSCs upon intravenous injection in mice was analyzed by In-Vivo Imaging System (IVIS), and showed enhanced accumulation in the liver and spleen while reduced entrapment in the lung. Thus, the coating of ADSCs with lipid-conjugated heparin could significantly modulate the biodistribution of cells.