Silica-Coated Nonstoichiometric Nano Zn-Ferrites for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Hyperthermia Treatment.
Large-scale and reproducible synthesis of nanomaterials is highly sought out for successful translation into clinics. Flame aerosol technology with its proven capacity to manufacture high purity materials (e.g., light guides) up to kg h-1is explored here for the preparation of highly magnetic, nonstoichiometric Zn-ferrite (Zn0.4Fe2.6O4) nanoparticles coated in situ with a nanothin SiO2layer. The focus is on their suitability as magnetic multifunctional theranostic agents analyzing their T2 contrast enhancing capability for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their magnetic hyperthermia performance. The primary particle size is closely controlled from 5 to 35 nm evaluating its impact on magnetic properties, MRI relaxivity, and magnetic heating performance. Most importantly, the addition of Zn in the flame precursor solution facilitates the growth of spinel Zn-ferrite crystals that exhibit superior magnetic properties over iron oxides typically made in flames. These properties result in strong MRI T2 contrast agents as shown on a 4.7 T small animal MRI scanner and lead to a more efficient heating with alternating magnetic fields. Also, by injecting Zn0.4Fe2.6O4nanoparticle suspensions into pork tissue, MR-images are acquired at clinically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, the nanothin SiO2shell facilitates functionalization with polymers, which improves the biocompatibility of the theranostic system.
Particle Technology Laboratory, Institute of Process Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, Sonneggstrasse 3, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland.
Fabian H L
FH
Starsich
Drug Formulation & Delivery, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, CH-8093, Zürich, Switzerland.|Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden.
Georgios A
GA
Sotiriou
Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091, Zürich, Switzerland.
Moritz C
MC
Wurnig
Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091, Zürich, Switzerland.
Christian
C
Eberhardt
Institute of Geophysics, ETH Zürich, Sonneggstrasse 5, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland.
Ann M
AM
Hirt
Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091, Zürich, Switzerland.
Andreas
A
Boss
Particle Technology Laboratory, Institute of Process Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, Sonneggstrasse 3, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland. sotiris.pratsinis@ptl.mavt.ethz.ch.
Sotiris E
SE
Pratsinis
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D005334:Fever / Q000188:drug therapy*; D060526:Magnetic Fields; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008280:Magnetics / Q000379:methods; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D051381:Rats; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D000068936:Theranostic Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry
D003287:Contrast Media; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D011108:Polymers; C001215:ferrite; C000499:ferric oxide; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D015032:Zinc
MRI; flame synthesis; large-scale; magnetic hyperthermia; superparamagnetic