Aptamer-modified magnetic nanoprobe for molecular MR imaging of VEGFR2 on angiogenic vasculature.
Nucleic acid-based aptamers have been developed for the specific delivery of diagnostic nanoprobes. Here, we introduce a new class of smart imaging nanoprobe, which is based on hybridization of a magnetic nanocrystal with a specific aptamer for specific detection of the angiogenic vasculature of glioblastoma via magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The magnetic nanocrystal imaging core was synthesized using the thermal decomposition method and enveloped by carboxyl polysorbate 80 for water solubilization and conjugation of the targeting moiety. Subsequently, the surface of the carboxylated magnetic nanocrystal was modified with amine-functionalized aptamers that specifically bind to the vascular growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) that is overexpressed on angiogenic vessels. To assess the targeted imaging potential of the aptamer-conjugated magnetic nanocrystal for VEGFR2 markers, the magnetic properties and MR imaging sensitivity were investigated using the orthotopic glioblastoma mouse model. In in vivo tests, the aptamer-conjugated magnetic nanocrystal effectively targeted VEGFR2 and demonstrated excellent MR imaging sensitivity with no cytotoxicity.
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea. ymhuh@yuhs.ac.
Bongjune
B
Kim
Jaemoon
J
Yang
Myeonghwan
M
Hwang
Jihye
J
Choi
Hyun-Ouk
HO
Kim
Eunji
E
Jang
Jung Hwan
JH
Lee
Sung-Ho
SH
Ryu
Jin-Suck
JS
Suh
Yong-Min
YM
Huh
Seungjoo
S
Haam