SPION-loaded chitosan-linoleic acid nanoparticles to target hepatocytes.
The aim of this study was to develop a novel polymeric magnetic nanoprobe as an MRI contrast agent to target hepatocytes, as well as to evaluate the targeting ability of the nanoprobe with MRI in vivo. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals (SPIONs) were synthesized by a thermal decomposition and seed growth method. An 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)-propyl) carbodiimide (EDC)-mediated reaction coupled water-soluble chitosan (WSC) to linoleic acid (LA). Twelve-nanometer-sized SPIONs were incorporated into the core of self-assembled WSC-LA nanoparticles. The morphology and size distribution of the SPION-loaded WSC-LA nanoparticles (SCLNs) were determined by transmittance electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), respectively. The encapsulation of SPIONs in the WSC-LA nanoparticles reduced the cytotoxicity of bare iron particles and enhanced their dispersion ability in water. The clustering of SPIONs into WSC-LA nanoparticles showed ultrasensitive magnetic behavior. After in vivo intravascular SCLN injection, MRI revealed relative signal enhancement in the liver. The localization of SCLN in hepatocytes was confirmed by Prussian blue staining and TEM analysis. We have successfully developed an ultrasensitive SCLN that effectively targets hepatocytes. The SCLN can be used as a contrast agent to aid in the diagnosis of hepatic diseases.
Lee
Chang-Moon
CM
Biotracer Imaging Laboratory, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Jellabuk-Do 561-712, Republic of Korea.
Jeong
Hwan-Jeong
HJ
Kim
Se-Lim
SL
Kim
Eun-Mi
EM
Kim
Dong Wook
DW
Lim
Seok Tae
ST
Jang
Kyu Yoon
KY
Jeong
Yong Yeon
YY
Nah
Jae-Woon
JW
Sohn
Myung-Hee
MH
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D019787:Linoleic Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008280:Magnetics; D051379:Mice; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties
D003287:Contrast Media; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005290:Ferric Compounds; C000499:ferric oxide; D048271:Chitosan; D019787:Linoleic Acid