Novel multifunctional magnetic polycation drug carriers (MPDCs) were synthesized to provide simultaneous magnetically targeted cancer therapy and diagnosis via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MPDCs consist of ultra-sensitive magnetic nanocrystals as MR probes and for magnetic targeting, and a chemotherapeutic agent encapsulated in poly(hexadecylcyanoacrylate) (PHDCA) nanoparticles. The PHDCA nanoparticles were further coated with polycationic polyethylenimine (PEI) to enhance cellular uptake efficiency. The MPDCs demonstrated ultra-sensitivity via MRI and sufficient magnetic mobility under an external magnetic field. Drug loading efficiency and release kinetics were also investigated. From the cell viability data, the MPDCs were nontoxic and the doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX)-loaded MPDCs exhibited excellent tumorcidal efficacy.
Antibody-conjugated hydrophilic magnetic nanocrystals for use as smart nanoprobes were developed for ultrasensitive detection of breast cancer via magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MnFe(2)O(4) nanocrystals (MNCs) for use as MR imaging contrast agents were synthesized by thermal decomposition to take advantage of their MR signal enhancement effect. The MNC surfaces were then modified with amphiphilic tri-block copolymers (dicarboxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)), not only allowing the MNCs to transfer from the organic to the aqueous phase, but also increasing the colloidal stability of the MNCs by masking poly(ethylene glycol). The physicochemical properties of the synthesized hydrophilic magnetic nanocrystals (HMNCs) were fully investigated. Trastuzumab (TZ), a monoclonal antibody against human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2/neu), was further conjugated on the surface of HMNCs to specifically target HER2/neu over-expressed breast cancer cells. MR imaging analysis of target cells treated with TZ-conjugated HMNCs (TZ-HMNCs) clearly demonstrated their potential as high-performance nanoprobes for selective imaging.
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