Synthesis and characterization of Gd3+-loaded hyaluronic acid-polydopamine nanoparticles as a dual contrast agent for CT and MRI scans

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT) suffer from low contrast sensitivity and potential toxicity of contrast agents. To overcome these limitations, we developed and tested a new class of dual contrast agents based on polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA-NPs) that are functionalized and targeted with hyaluronic acid (HA). These nanoparticles (NPs) are chelated with Gd3+ to provide suitable contrast. The targeted NPs were characterized through ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared Fourier transform (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The cytotoxicity was investigated on HEK293 cells using an MTT assay. The contrast property of synthesized Gd3+/PDA/HA was compared with Barium sulfate and Dotarem, as commercial contrast agents (CAs) for CT and MRI, respectively. The results illustrated that synthesized PDA-NPs have a spherical morphology and an average diameter of 72 nm. A distinct absorption peak around 280 nm in the UV–vis spectrum reported the self-polymerization of PDA-NPs. The HA coating on PDA-NPs was revealed through a shift in the FTIR peak of C=O from 1618 cm−1 to 1635 cm−1. The Gd3+ adsorption on PDA/HA-NPs was confirmed using an adsorption isotherm assay. The developed CA showed low in vitro toxicity (up to 158.98 µM), and created a similar contrast in MRI and CT when compared to the commercial agents. The r1 value for PDA/HA/Gd3+ (6.5 (mg/ml)−1 s−1) was more than Dotarem (5.6 (mg/ml)−1 s−1) and the results of the hemolysis test showed that at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, and 10 mg/ml, the hemolysis rate of red blood cells is very low. Additionally, the results demonstrated that PDA/HA/Gd3+ could better target the CD44+-expressing cancer cells than PDA/Gd3+. Thus, it can be concluded that lower doses of developed CA are needed to achieve similar contrast of Dotarem, and the developed CA has no safety concerns in terms of hemolysis. The stability of PDA/HA/Gd3+ has also been evaluated by ICP-OES, zeta potential, and DLS during 3 days, and the results suggested that Gd-HA NPs were stable.

Advancing MRI with magnetic nanoparticles: a comprehensive review of translational research and clinical trials

“…In imaging tests, they showed comparable or superior contrast capabilities to commercial contrast agents such as Dotarem and Barium sulfate, with higher relaxivity in MRI. 7 These demonstrate the tangible benets that nanotechnology can bring to the eld of MRI contrast agents.…”

Plasma Modification Techniques for Natural Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems

“…Chitosan Nanoparticles Oxygen plasma Reduced cytotoxicity and enhanced cellular uptake of drugs [62] Alginate Hydrogels Argon plasma Improved cell adhesion and proliferation [63] Starch-Based Films Nitrogen plasma Improved hydrophilicity, reduced contact angle, and increased cell adhesion [64] Cellulose Nanocrystals Oxygen plasma Improved cell proliferation and viability [65] Gelatin Microspheres Argon plasma Improved drug loading and release [66] Silk Fibroin Films Oxygen plasma Improved cell adhesion and proliferation [67] Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles Oxygen plasma Reduced cytotoxicity and enhanced biocompatibility [68] Pectin Hydrogels Argon plasma Improved cell adhesion and proliferation [69] Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) and Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) Films…”

Synthesis of Ni2+-functionalized polydopamine magnetic beads for facilitated purification of histidine-tagged proteins

“…The pellet was removed, and the supernatant was filtered through a 0.22 μm syringe filter. Then, the product was dialyzed against deionized water (DI) for 3 days using a dialysis bag (cutoff: 12,000–14,000 Da) at 500 rpm, and freeze-dried(Gu et al 2018 ; Shariati et al 2023a ; Shariati et al 2023a , b ).…”

“…The Ni 2+ and Fe 3+ releases of PDA/ Fe 3+ /Ni 2+ NPs were evaluated at a temperature of 37 °C. Synthesized magnetic beads were dispersed at a concentration of 10 mg/ml at 5 ml of PBS, then dialyzed with a dialysis bag (cut off: 12,000–14,000 Da) against distilled water (100 mL) for 10 days by ICP-OES analysis(Shariati et al 2023a , b ).…”