Surface modified NIR magnetic nanoprobes for theranostic applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Near-infrared (NIR) imaging and thermotherapy integration aids early cancer detection and image-guided hyperthermia.
• Developing multifunctional nanoparticles is crucial for advanced cancer treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop fluorescent iron oxide nanoparticles (FIO) for deep tissue NIR imaging and site-specific magnetic hyperthermia.
• To evaluate the efficacy of FIO in eliminating cancer cells and their biodistribution in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized amine-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (HIO) via one-pot method.
• Conjugated indocyanine green (ICG) to HIO using ethylenediamine (EDA) for FIO development.
• Characterized FIO for magnetic properties, specific absorption rate, and T2 relaxivity.

Main Results:

• FIO exhibited high saturation magnetization (118 emu/g) and specific absorption rate (329.8 ± 5.96 W/g).
• Developed FIO demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility and reduced cancer cell survival under magnetic hyperthermia.
• FIO showed an enhanced half-life and preferential accumulation in the brain and liver compared to free ICG.

Conclusions:

• Facile synthesis of FIO provides a potential clinical alternative for cancer cellular tracking and imaging.
• FIO nanoparticles are promising for image-guided hyperthermia and cancer cell elimination.