Development of a T1 contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging using Gd2O3 nanoparticles

Abstract

The aim of this study by performing the development of gadolinium(III) oxide(Gd2O3) nanoparticles with diethylene glycol polymer (DEG) and also by achievement of the contrast enhancement evaluation of Gd loaded nanoparticles in comparison with Magnevist (Gd-DTPA), was to indicate that Gd2O3 nanoparticles with diethylene glycol polymer could produce a good MR signal and therefore could be a useful potential contrast medium for cell tracking in magnetic resonance molecular imaging(MRMI). This study would be complicated with nanoparticles composed gadolinium (III) oxide (Gd2O3) with diethylene glycol polymer. The size and morphological structure of this Nano particle determined by particle size analysis device (zeta sizer) and Transmission Electronic Microscope. Proton relaxation times were measured with a 1.5-T MRI scanner. The measurements were performed in aqueous solution. Other purpose of this study was to assess cytotoxicity of gadolinium oxide nanoparticles. The effects of nanoparticles on U-87 MG, THP-1 and SK-MEL 3 cell lines were evaluated by light microscopy, and by standard cytotoxicity assays. The results showed a significantly higher incremental relaxivity for Gd2O3 nanoparticles compared to Gd-DTPA. The slope of R1 relaxivity (1/T1) vs. concentration curve of Gd- DTPA and Gd2O3 were 4.33, 13.37 s-1mM-1. The slope of R2 relaxivity (1/T 2) vs. concentration curve of Gd-DTPA and Gd2O3 were 5.06, 9.05 s-1mM-1. Viability results indicate that U-87 MG, THP-1 and SK-MEL 3 cells endure treatment with Gd2O 3 nanoparticles for an wide-ranging stage of time and it is therefore concluded that results in this study are founded on viable cells. The study indicates the possibility of obtaining high relaxivity compared to Gd-DTPA using Gd2O3 as contrast agent. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.