title: Synthesis, self-assembly, and characterization of PEG-coated iron oxide nanoparticles as potential MRI contrast agent.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Investigated the self-assembly and characterization of novel antifouling polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles as nanoprobes for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent.
  
  
  METHODS
  Monodisperse oleic acid-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide cores are synthesized by thermal decomposition of iron oleate. The self-assembly behavior between iron oxide cores and PEG-lipid conjugates in water and their characteristics are confirmed by transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dynamic light scattering shows superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with PEG are stable in water for pH of 3-10 and ionic strengths up to 0.3 M NaCl, and are protein resistant in physiological conditions. Additionally, in vitro MRI study demonstrates the efficient magnetic resonance imaging contrast characteristics of the iron oxide nanoparticles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The result indicates that the novel antifouling PEG-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles could potentially be used in a wide range of applications such as biotechnology, MRI, and magnetic fluid hyperthermia.
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Research Institute, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China.
authors.forename: Chen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yue-Jian
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Juan
authors.forename: Xiong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Fei
authors.forename: Zhu
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Jia-Bi
authors.forename: Gu
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ning
authors.forename: Zhang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yi-Hua
authors.forename: Ding
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ye
authors.forename: Ge
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Liang
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry; D008823:Micelles; D010316:Particle Size; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D008823:Micelles; C000499:ferric oxide; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol; C010117:3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol