Heparin-stabilised iron oxide for MR applications: a relaxometric study

Abstract

Heparin stabilisation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles engenders exceptional stability, enhanced relaxation due to interparticle interactions, and prevention of protein-adsorption triggered thrombosis.

pH-Responsive nanocomposite fibres allowing MRI monitoring of drug release

“…16 Hence, for biological applications, SPIONs are often coated or surface modified with a biocompatible polymer, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or natural materials such as dextran, heparin, gelatin or chitosan. 17,18 This approach provides protection from aggregation or degradation, and also offers the opportunity for multifunctionality, such as the loading of a therapeutic active ingredient or specific location targeting. 19 Electrospinning is a straightforward technique which can produce polymer-based nanoscale fibres via the application of an electrical field to a polymer solution.…”

Microwave-assisted synthesis of highly crystalline, multifunctional iron oxide nanocomposites for imaging applications

“…All peaks observed are in excellent agreement with previous assignments for magnetite in the literature. 4,52,53 There are no peaks for haematite or maghemite observed.…”

“…One example is the eld of magnetic nanoparticles, a class of materials whose size-dependent magnetic properties opens up their potential applications for hyperthermic cancer therapy, site-specic drug delivery and contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Control over the magnetic properties is desirable in order to tailor the candidate nanoparticle for a specic biomedical application. 12 Magnetic nanoparticles may be synthesised in a variety of ways, [13][14][15] including by co-precipitation, 16,17 hydrothermal methods, 18 and the decomposition of precursors at elevated temperatures.…”

Recent developments in Pickering emulsions for biomedical applications

“…The use of magnetic materials in biomedicine has been popular for several decades, with applications as contrast agents for medical imaging as well as therapeutic delivery and bioseparation thanks to their attractive magnetic properties. [90,91] Within Pickering emulsions, inorganic magnetic nanoparticles have been explored as emulsifier agents, most commonly with the aim of producing systems whose direction and motion can be controlled using an externally applied magnetic field whilst maintaining the integrity of the Pickering emulsion. [92][93][94] Such species are promising for magnetic targeting to enhance drug release at a specific site whilst minimising systemic exposure, [93] though little work has shown practical demonstrations of this behaviour in vitro or in vivo.…”