Surface modulation of magnetic nanocrystals in the development of highly efficient magnetic resonance probes for intracellular labeling.
High-quality biocompatible magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanocrystals were developed through a ligand exchange process of hydrophobically capped nanocrystals with hydrophilic molecules. By simple modulation of the nanocrystal surface ligand charge properties, we have been able to prepare magnetic nanocrystals with excellent intracellular labeling capabilities that efficiently label a variety of cell types without the need for additional transport facilitating agents. The excellent intracellular labeling capability of the newly developed cationic WSIO has further led to successful MRI monitoring of the migration of neural stem cells in rat spinal cord. The magnetic nanocrystals developed here have great potential in applications for labeling of various cell types and also the monitoring of cell-based medical treatments and cancer metastasis.
Song
Ho-Taek
HT
Department of Radiology and Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea.
Choi
Jin-sil
JS
Huh
Yong-Min
YM
Kim
Sungjun
S
Jun
Young-wook
YW
Suh
Jin-Suck
JS
Cheon
Jinwoo
J
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003460:Crystallization; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008280:Magnetics; D015335:Molecular Probes; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility; D013499:Surface Properties; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D008024:Ligands; D015335:Molecular Probes; D014867:Water; C000499:ferric oxide