Preparation of Liposomes Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Targeting and Imaging Brain Glioma

Abstract

Effective and specific diagnostic imaging of brain glioma remains a challenge. Magnetic nanoparticles are actively being developed as contrast agents for diagnosis of tumor. In this work, we developed the targeted magnetic nanoparticles as T1-positive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Zn-doped Fe3O4 NPs were synthesized by solvothermal method, coated with liposome and conjugated to a tumor-penetrating peptide (RGERPPR). The effect of zinc doping on the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was studied. Zn0.4Fe2.6O4-PEG nanoparticles exhibited T1 MR contrast enhancement. Cytotoxicity assay indicated that nanoparticles have good biocompatibility and low toxicity. And the in vitro cellular uptake assays on U87 cells confirmed that the conjugation of RGERPPR increased the uptake of the Zn0.4Fe2.6O4 NPs. In vivo MR imaging showed the contrast enhance of U87 brain glioma in rat model after injection.

Keywords

• iron oxide nanoparticles
• magnetic resonance imaging
• tumor penetrating peptide
• brain glioma imaging