Cobalt
ferrite nanoparticle (CFN) has received attention in magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) as a promising contrast agent due to its higher
saturation magnetization and magneto-crystalline anisotropy. However,
the in vitro cytotoxicity of CFN has raised concern
for its biomedical application as a diagnostic agent. The coating
of CFN by a biocompatible polymer such as chitosan (CH) might lessen
the biocompatibility concern. Therefore, in this study, we examined
the applicability of chitosan-coated cobalt ferrite nanoparticle (CCN)
as an MRI contrast dye and investigated its biocompatibility in vivo. Phantom MRI images revealed that the relaxivity
of CCN was 121 (±8) mM–1s–1, indicating the potential of CCN as a T
2-weighted contrast agent. A single intravenous (iv) administration
of CCN (10 mg/kg) improved the contrast of magnetic-resonance-imaging-based
angiography (MRA) and brain-MRI in male albino Wistar rats compared
to the control. Furthermore, toxicity studies dependent on dose (1–20
mg/kg) and time (1–28 days) in male albino Wistar rats confirmed
the in vivo biocompatibility of CCN. The physical,
hematological, biochemical, and histopathological observation assured
that a single iv injection of CCN up to 20 mg/kg was well adjusted
with liver, kidney, heart, and brain functions. The findings of the
current study consolidate CCN as a promising candidate for MRI contrast
dye.
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