Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been extensively investigated for many biomedical applications. A good quality functionalization that combines imaging goals with a high-level of biocompatibility remains one of the challenges for particle translation into medical practice. Here, we focus on a new functionalization of SPIONs with cystine (Cy-SPIONs). Cystine is able to make SPIONs stable and dispersible in water and in culture cell media. New insights are provided into the biological and immune effects of Cy-SPIONs with a wide variety of standard and molecular assays to evaluate cytotoxicity, cell activation, cytokine release and the expression of 84 genes related to immune responses. A good immune biocompatibility of Cy-SPIONs on primary immune cells was found. The great potential of Cy-SPIONs for further in vivo studies and as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highlighted. In addition, we also exploited ultrasonography, since it is a safer, less expensive and common imaging technology. The good echogenic properties of Cy-SPIONs in water and in whole blood are shown, both in vitro and in a phantom vein for bloodstream simulations. Our results open up a new scenario for future applications of cystine-functionalized SPIONs as immune-compatible ultrasound and MRI contrast agents.
Immune compatible cystine-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as vascular contrast agents in ultrasonography / Dolci, Sara; Domenici, Valentina; Vidili, Gianpaolo; Orecchioni, Marco; Bandiera, Pasquale; Madeddu, Roberto Beniamino; Farace, Cristiano; Peana, Massimiliano Francesco; Tiné, Maria Rosaria; Manetti, Roberto; Sgarrella, Francesco; Delogu, Lucia Gemma. - In: RSC ADVANCES. - ISSN 2046-2069. - 6:4(2016), pp. 2712-2723. [10.1039/c5ra19652c]
Immune compatible cystine-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as vascular contrast agents in ultrasonography
VIDILI, Gianpaolo;ORECCHIONI, Marco;BANDIERA, Pasquale;MADEDDU, Roberto Beniamino;FARACE, Cristiano;PEANA, Massimiliano Francesco;MANETTI, Roberto;SGARRELLA, Francesco;DELOGU, Lucia Gemma
2016-01-01
Abstract
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been extensively investigated for many biomedical applications. A good quality functionalization that combines imaging goals with a high-level of biocompatibility remains one of the challenges for particle translation into medical practice. Here, we focus on a new functionalization of SPIONs with cystine (Cy-SPIONs). Cystine is able to make SPIONs stable and dispersible in water and in culture cell media. New insights are provided into the biological and immune effects of Cy-SPIONs with a wide variety of standard and molecular assays to evaluate cytotoxicity, cell activation, cytokine release and the expression of 84 genes related to immune responses. A good immune biocompatibility of Cy-SPIONs on primary immune cells was found. The great potential of Cy-SPIONs for further in vivo studies and as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highlighted. In addition, we also exploited ultrasonography, since it is a safer, less expensive and common imaging technology. The good echogenic properties of Cy-SPIONs in water and in whole blood are shown, both in vitro and in a phantom vein for bloodstream simulations. Our results open up a new scenario for future applications of cystine-functionalized SPIONs as immune-compatible ultrasound and MRI contrast agents.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.