Extraordinarily
small (2.4 nm) cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (ESCIoNs)
were synthesized by a one-pot thermal decomposition approach to study
their potential as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents.
Fine size control was achieved using oleylamine alone, and annular
dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed highly
crystalline cubic spinel particles with atomic resolution. Ligand
exchange with dimercaptosuccinic acid rendered the particles stable
in physiological conditions with a hydrodynamic diameter of 12 nm.
The particles displayed superparamagnetic properties and a low r2/r1 ratio suitable
for a T1 contrast agent. The particles
were functionalized with bile acid, which improved biocompatibility
by significant reduction of reactive oxygen species generation and
is a first step toward liver-targeted T1 MRI. Our study demonstrates the potential of ESCIoNs as T1 MRI contrast agents.
MRI/MRS data with clinical information provide a clearer picture of treatment response and confirm once again that nimotuzumab is effective in the treatment of pediatric brain tumor. These imaging procedures can be a useful tool for the clinical evaluation of study protocol in clinical practice.
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