Synthesis and characterization of gadolinium nanoparticles using polyol method as a candidate for MRI Contrast Agent

Abstract

This research is related to the preparation and initial characterization of gadolinium nanoparticles as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agent. Nanomaterial-based contrast agents aim to improve clearer imaging, longer examination retention times with lower toxicity than gadolinium ion-based contrast agents, and evaluate the potential use of MRI contrast agents for early detection of cancer. Gadolinium nanoparticles were synthesized using polyol method with stabilizer and chemical reaction process at high temperature. The stabilizers used are diethylene glycol (DEG) and triethylene glycol (TEG). The reaction process was carried out at 180°C for 4 hours to obtain gadolinium nanoparticles with uniform size and shape. The results of hydrodynamic and visual measurements using DLS and HRTEM instruments on the gadolinium nanoparticles produced were 50 nm and 18 nm, respectively. The results of the characterization of the crystal structure obtained the X-ray diffraction pattern in the crystal plane (222), which is a typical for the Gd2O3 crystal phase. Characterization of chemical bonds using FTIR showed absorption at 1438-1627 cm−1, 1000-1138 cm−1 and 450-795 cm−1 indicated the presence of Gd-O bond vibrations, while absorption at 1310-1466 cm−1 indicated the presence of Gd-O-Gd bonds. This is evidenced by the similarity with the absorption peak of commercial Gd2O3. The content of free Gd3+ ions found in the synthesized products detected was only about 0.99% of the Gd3+ precursors used.