title: Surface modulation of magnetic nanocrystals in the development of highly efficient magnetic resonance probes for intracellular labeling.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Radiology and Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea.
authors: Ho-Taek
authors: HT
authors: Song
authors: Jin-sil
authors: JS
authors: Choi
authors: Yong-Min
authors: YM
authors: Huh
authors: Sungjun
authors: S
authors: Kim
authors: Young-wook
authors: YW
authors: Jun
authors: Jin-Suck
authors: JS
authors: Suh
authors: Jinwoo
authors: J
authors: Cheon
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D005290:Ferric Compounds; D008024:Ligands; D015335:Molecular Probes; D014867:Water; C000499:ferric oxide