| Abstrakt: |
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) possess intrinsic properties to serve as T2 contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — a highly sensitive, non-invasive diagnostic tool. In this study, we have evaluated the potential of SPIONs by surface modifying it with generation 4 polyamidoamine dendrimers (G4 PAMAM). SPIONs were characterized using DLS, TEM, FTIR, VSM, and XRD. The dendrimer-coated SPIONs (DC-SPIONs) were characterized using NMR, FTIR, VSM, and XRD and their efficacy was studied using a 3 T clinical MR imager. SPIONs, DC-SPIONs, and dendrimers exhibit significant T2 contrast-enhancing properties while potentially improving interaction with cells. It was concluded that although SPIONs alone exhibit the highest contrast efficacy, the coating with dendrimers improvises their biocompatibility and dispersion in in vitro cells at clinically relevant concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 0.05 mmol/L−1. As expected, concentrations of 0.05 mmol/L−1 exhibited higher contrast-enhancing properties as compared to 0.005 mmol/L−1 but even at ultra-low concentrations, all materials exhibited qualitative and quantitative detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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