Spindle-like MRI-active europium-doped iron oxide nanoparticles with shape-induced cytotoxicity from simple and facile ferrihydrite crystallization procedure

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) that can provide additional functionality to the nanoagents derived from them, e.g., cytotoxicity or imaging abilities, are in high demand in modern nanotechnology. Here, we report new spindle-like iron oxide nanoparticles doped with Eu 3+ that feature magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrasting properties together with shape-related cytotoxicity (unusual for such low 2.4% Eu content). The NPs were prepared by a novel procedure for doping of iron oxide nanoparticles based on the crystallization of amorphous ferrihydrite in the presence of hydrated europium(III) oxide and were thoroughly characterized. Cytotoxicity of low Eu-doped spindle-like hematite nanoparticles was confirmed by MTT assay and further studied in detail by imaging flow cytometry, optical and electron microscopies. Additionally, enhancement of MRI contrast properties of NPs upon doping with europium was demonstrated. According to the MRI using mice as an animal model and direct inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) 153 Eu biodistribution measurements, these particles accumulate in the liver and spleen. Therefore, NPs present a novel example of a multimodal component combining magnetic imaging and therapeutic (cytotoxic) abilities for development of theranostic nanoagents.

Rare‐Earth Doped Iron Oxide Nanostructures for Cancer Theranostics: Magnetic Hyperthermia and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

“…[59][60][61] Therefore, these doped magnetic systems and their applications in hyperthermia and imaging have received increasing attention in recent years as they have the potential to result in effective thermotherapy for cancer and to replace the toxic and commercial Gd based contrast agents. [35,62,63] Even though there have been a lot of reports on RE doped iron oxide nanoparticles for imaging and hyperthermia applications, there is no such specific review available till date covering this particular research field, except for those reviews dedicated only to Fe 3 O 4 . [64][65][66][67] As the research on this topic is quite significant and is rapidly progressing, a comprehensive review is needed to fill the knowledge gap and significantly advance the research on RE doped magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for imaging and hyperthermia applications.…”

Shape programmable T1–T2 dual-mode MRI nanoprobes for cancer theranostics

“…Because of their bionic shape, bipyramid nanoparticles have better flow characteristics than other materials, significantly changing their in vivo circulation time. 184 Moreover, the distinctive fiber structure at both ends and large surface area of bipyramids influence the interaction between cell membranes and bipyramids, thus changing their cellular uptake. 185 With their unique shape, bipyramids are designed to construct T 1 – T 2 MRI probes using magnetic fusiform iron oxide or iron porphyrin nanomaterials, and these bipyramids have the potential to perform well in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.…”

Investigations on anticancer activity of Eu3+ doped hydroxyapatite nanocomposites against MCF7 and 4T1 breast cancer cell lines: A structural and luminescence Perspective

“…Europium has garnered considerable interest in bioimaging due to its distinctive spectroscopic characteristics, which include high quantum yield, narrow emission bands, and long fluorescence lifetime. The aforementioned characteristics render it a highly suitable contender for employment in bioimaging endeavours, particularly in fluorescence microscopy [ 50 ] and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [ 51 ]. Furthermore, the utilization of europium complexes as probes for identifying and measuring diverse biomolecules, including proteins, DNA, and enzymes, has been documented [ 52 ].…”