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Characterization of quaternized chitosan‐stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles as a novel potential magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent for cell tracking
Author(s) -
Shen ChiaRui,
Wu ShuTing,
Tsai ZeiTsan,
Wang JiunJie,
Yen TzuChen,
Tsai JinSheng,
Shih MeiFen,
Liu ChaoLin
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.3059
Subject(s) - prussian blue , chitosan , mri contrast agent , iron oxide , iron oxide nanoparticles , superparamagnetism , nanoparticle , materials science , magnetic resonance imaging , oxide , transmission electron microscopy , polymer chemistry , chemistry , nuclear magnetic resonance , nanotechnology , nuclear chemistry , organic chemistry , electrochemistry , magnetization , magnetic field , physics , electrode , quantum mechanics , medicine , radiology
Polymer‐stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles could be used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to their unique superparamagnetism. Here we demonstrate a quaternized chitosan, i.e. N ‐[(2‐hydroxy‐3‐trimethylammonium)propyl] chitosan chloride (HTCC), encapsulating superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO), with very low toxicity and less effect on cell growth. HTCC has quaternary amino groups introduced into the chitosan chain, and such modification of chitosan should render it soluble in water. Most importantly, the HTCC–SPIO thus prepared has the ability to accelerate the MRI relaxation processes of surrounding water protons, resulting in enhanced MRI contrast (R2: y = 0.1076 x − 0.0092; R1: y = 0.008 x − 0.0005). The iron content quantified by Prussian blue staining and MRI revealed a positive correlation between Prussian blue positive cells and the change of MRI signal intensity. Also, transmission electron microscopy and element mapping confirmed intracellular metal‐like spots as internalized iron oxide. Such findings support the use of these quaternized chitosan‐stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles as a potential MRI contrast agent for cell tracking. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry