Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
07:26
Synthesis of 68Ga Core-doped Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Dual Positron Emission Tomography /(T1)Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: November 20, 2018
Gadolinium-encapsulating iron oxide nanoprobe as activatable NMR/MRI contrast agent
Santimukul Santra1, Samuel D Jativa, Charalambos Kaittanis
1Nanoscience Technology Center and Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA.
ACS Nano
|July 20, 2012
Summary
This study introduces an activatable MRI nanoprobe that signals acidic tumor environments. The probe releases a contrast agent in acidic conditions, enhancing MRI signals and enabling drug release monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Developing novel contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for early disease detection.
- Acidic tumor microenvironments present unique challenges and opportunities for targeted therapies.
- Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) offer versatile platforms for theranostic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an activatable, gadolinium-encapsulating iron oxide nanoparticle-based nanoprobe for MRI.
- To investigate the nanoprobe's T(1) relaxation properties and MRI signal changes in response to acidic conditions.
- To evaluate the nanoprobe's potential for cancer cell targeting, drug delivery assessment, and detection of acidic tumors.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a composite magnetic nanoprobe (IO-PAA-Gd-DTPA) by encapsulating gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) within poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IO-PAA).
- Assessment of T(1) relaxation rate changes upon release of Gd-DTPA in acidic media.
- Incubation of folate-conjugated nanoprobe with HeLa cells to evaluate receptor-mediated internalization and lysosomal degradation.
- Co-encapsulation of an anticancer drug (Taxol) with Gd-DTPA for simultaneous drug release monitoring and cytotoxic effect evaluation.
Main Results:
- The nanoprobe exhibited quenched T(1) relaxation, which was activated (de-quenched) in acidic conditions, leading to an increased T(1)-weighted MRI signal.
- Folate-conjugated nanoprobe showed increased signal in HeLa cells, indicating successful receptor-mediated uptake and acidic lysosomal degradation.
- T(1) activation correlated with the release rate of co-encapsulated Taxol and its cytotoxic effect in cell culture.
Conclusions:
- The developed activatable T(1) nanoprobe can effectively detect acidic tumor environments through MRI signal changes.
- The nanoprobe holds significant potential for monitoring targeted drug delivery and release in cancer therapy.
- This nanoagent represents a promising tool for theranostic applications in oncology.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...