Immune compatible cystine-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as vascular contrast agents in ultrasonography. Issue 4 (4th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dolci, Sara; Domenici, Valentina; Vidili, Gianpaolo; Orecchioni, Marco; Bandiera, Pasquale; Madeddu, Roberto; Farace, Cristiano; Peana, Massimiliano; Tiné, Maria Rosaria; Manetti, Roberto; Sgarrella, Francesco; Delogu, Lucia Gemma
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 6:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 2712
• Page End: 2723
• Publication Date: 2016-01-04
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c5ra19652c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been investigated for biomedical applications. 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.