Biocompatible Peptide-Coated Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for In Vivo Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Chee, HL, Gan, CRR, Ng, M, Low, L, Fernig, DG ORCID: 0000-0003-4875-4293, Bhakoo, KK and Paramelle, D (2018) Biocompatible Peptide-Coated Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for In Vivo Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging. ACS Nano, 12 (7). pp. 6480-6491.

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Abstract

The biocompatibility and performance of reagents for in vivo contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imag-ing are essential for their translation to the clinic. The quality of the surface coating of nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agents, such as ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs), is criti-cal to ensure high colloidal stability in biological environments, improved magnetic performance and dis-persion in circulatory fluids and tissues. Herein, we report the design of a library of 21 peptides and lig-ands and identify highly stable self-assembled monolayers on the USPIONs surface. A total of 86 differ-ent peptide coated USPIONs are prepared and selected using several stringent criteria, e.g., stability against electrolyte-induced aggregation in physiological conditions, prevention of non-specific binding to cells, absence of cellular toxicity and contrast-enhanced in vivo MRI. The bis-phosphorylated peptide 2PG-S∗VVVT-PEG4-ol provides highest biocompatibility and performance for USPIONs, with no de-tectable toxicity or adhesion to live cells. The 2PG-S∗VVVT-PEG4-ol coated USPIONs show enhanced magnetic resonance properties, r1 (2.4 mM-1.s-1) and r2 (217.8 mM-1.s-1) relaxivities, and greater r2/r1 relaxivity ratios (>90), when compared to commercially available MRI contrast agents. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of 2PG-S∗VVVT-PEG4-ol coated USPIONs as a T2 contrast agent for in vivo MRI applica-tions. High contrast enhancement of the liver is achieved as well as detection of liver tumors, with signifi-cant improvement of the contrast-to-noise ratio of tumor-to-liver contrast. It is envisaged that the reported peptide coated USPIONs have the potential to allow for the specific targeting of tumors, and hence early detection of cancer by MRI.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	peptide, coating, iron oxide nanoparticles, biocompatibility, magnetic resonance imaging
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	31 Jul 2018 08:50
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 01:30
DOI:	10.1021/acsnano.7b07572
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3024295