3-Aminopropylsilane-modified iron oxide nanoparticles for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of liver lesions induced by <em>Opisthorchis felineus</em>

Abstract

Purpose Liver fluke causes severe liver damage in an infected human. However, the infection often remains neglected due to the lack of pathognomonic signs. Nanoparticle-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a promising technique for detecting liver lesions induced by parasites. Materials and methods Surface modification of iron oxide nanoparticles produced by coprecipitation from a solution of Fe 3+ and Fe 2+ salts using 3-aminopropylsilane (APS) was carried out. The APS-modified nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Magnetic resonance properties of MNPs were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Results The amount of APS grafted on the surface of nanoparticles (0.60±0.06 mmol g −1 ) was calculated based on elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy data. According to transmission electron microscopy data, there were no essential changes in the structure of nanoparticles during the modification. The APS-modified nanoparticles exhibit high magnetic properties; the calculated relaxivity r 2 was 271 mmol −1 s −1 . To obtain suspension with optimal hydrodynamic characteristics, amino groups on the surface of nanoparticles were converted into an ionic form with HCl. Cellular uptake of modified nanoparticles by rat hepatoma cells and human monocytes in vitro was 74.1±4.5 and 10.0±3.7 pg [Fe] per cell, respectively. Low cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was confirmed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and Annexin V/7-aminoactinomycin D flow cytometry assays. For the first time, magnetic nanoparticles were applied for contrast-enhanced MRI of liver lesions induced by Opisthorchis felineus . Conclusion The synthesized APS-modified iron oxide nanoparticles showed high efficiency as an MRI contrast agent for the evaluation of opisthorchiasis-related liver damage.

PMIDA-Modified Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Application for Liver MRI

“…In this work, for in vivo experiments, healthy golden hamsters were used. Ten minutes after retro-orbital administration of the MNPs–COOH at a dose of 0.6 mg kg –1 (by analogy with ref ), the accumulation of nanoparticles in the liver of the experimental animals was detected. The maximum MRI signal reduction associated with negative MRI contrast was attained in 30 min after administration of MNPs–COOH, and the image of the liver structure became more contrast (Figure ).…”

“…In this study, we used MNPs obtained by precipitation from a solution of Fe 3+ and Fe 2+ salts with an average particle diameter of 11 nm, which were Fe 3 O 4 magnetite in their phase composition, as confirmed by XRD and TEM data (Figure ). − …”

“…At present, nanomaterials based on Fe 3 O 4 MNPs are widely studied as MRI contrast agents. For example, Feridex (USA), Gastro (USA) (Lumirem (EU)), and Resovist (USA, EU, Japan) were clinically approved as T 2 -enhanced contrast agents and were used for liver and spleen MRI visualization. − Recently, our group for the first time demonstrated the possibility of using 3-aminopropylsilane-modified Fe 3 O 4 MNP as an MRI contrast agent for the evaluation of Opisthorchis felineus-related liver damage …”

“…MNPs of a diameter of 11 nm were obtained by coprecipitation from a solution of Fe 3+ and Fe 2+ salts similar to the previously described procedure. , Under stirring with an overhead stirrer, 3 mL of a saturated solution of ammonia was added to the solution of FeSO 4 ·7H 2 O (0.556, 2.0 mmol) and FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O (1.082 g, 4.0 mmol) in 40 mL of DI water in an ultrasonic bath to achieve pH 11. The solution was stirred for 20 min at 40 °C, precipitated on a magnet, and washed with DI water to neutral pH.…”

Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy for differential assessment of liver abnormalities induced by Opisthorchis felineus in an animal model

“…In comparison with microscopic stool examination, MRI is a more expensive technique for diagnosing O . felineus infection, but it allows clinicians to evaluate opisthorchiasis-related liver damage [ 57 ]. Moreover, MRI can be very helpful for opisthorchiasis detection in infected people in non-endemic countries.…”