Multi-functional chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating quantum dots and Gd-DTPA as imaging probes for bio-applications.
Chitosan was used to encapsulate both CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Gd-DTPA), forming multi-functional nanoparticles that can be used in a wide range of in vitro or in vivo studies as fluorescent biological labels as well as MRI contrast agents, respectively. Multi-color QDs at pre-determined molar ratios were encapsulated into chitosan nanoparticles to produce bar-coding fluorescent labels. The encapsulated QDs and Gd-DTPA still maintained their desirable optical properties and relatively high relaxivity, respectively. The chitosan nanoparticles also showed good aqueous stability and enhanced biocompatibility on myoblast cells.
Division of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Wee Beng
WB
Tan
Yong
Y
Zhang
D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000737:chemistry*; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D010316:Particle Size; D045663:Quantum Dots; D013499:Surface Properties
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003287:Contrast Media; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D048271:Chitosan; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA