Targeted release of stromal cell-derived factor-1α by reactive oxygen species-sensitive nanoparticles results in bone marrow stromal cell chemotaxis and homing, and repair of vascular injury caused by electrical burns

Rapid repair of vascular injury is an important prognostic factor for electrical burns. This repair is achieved mainly via stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 alpha promoting the mobilization, chemotaxis, homing, and targeted differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into endothelial cells. Forming a concentration gradient from the site of local damage in the circulation is essential to the role of SDF-1 alpha. In a previous study, we developed reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive PPADT nanoparticles containing SDF-1 alpha that could degrade in response to high concentration of ROS in tissue lesions, achieving the goal of targeted SDF-1 alpha release. In the current study, a rat vascular injury model of electrical burns was used to evaluate the effects of targeted release of SDF-1 alpha using PPADT nanoparticles on the chemotaxis of BMSCs and the repair of vascular injury. Continuous exposure to 220 V for 6 s could damage rat vascular endothelial cells, strip off the inner layer, significantly elevate the local level of ROS, and decrease the level of SDF-1 alpha. After injection of Cy5-labeled SDF-1 alpha-PPADT nanoparticles, the distribution of Cy5 fluorescence suggested that SDF-1 alpha was distributed primarily at the injury site, and the local SDF-1 alpha levels increased significantly. Seven days after injury with nanoparticles injection, aggregation of exogenous green fluorescent protein-labeled BMSCs at the injury site was observed. Ten days after injury, the endothelial cell arrangement was better organized and continuous, with relatively intact vascular morphology and more blood vessels. These results showed that SDF-1 alpha-PPADT nanoparticles targeted the SDF-1a release at the site of injury, directing BMSC chemotaxis and homing, thereby promoting vascular repair in response to electrical burns.