Size-dependent effects of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles on cellular functions of mouse embryonic stem cells

Aim: Layered double hydroxide nanoparticles (LDH NPs) are promising for stem cell research and applications. In this study, we investigated the size-dependent interactions of LDH NPs with mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Materials & methods: LDH NPs with diameters of 100 and 50 nm were synthesized and characterized. mESCs were cultured to undergo spontaneous differentiation. After incubation with LDH NPs, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, pluripotency, differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process of mESCs were assessed. Results: LDH NPs with the size of 50 nm induced higher cellular uptake and more outstandingly inhibited spontaneous differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. Conclusion: Our research demonstrated the size-dependent effects of LDH NPs on controlling fate and cellular functions of mESCs.