Preparation of PMAA-coated Dysprosium Ferrite Ferrofluids and Study on the Superparamagnetism

The present paper covers the unprecedented preparation of stable aqueous Dy-ferrite ferrofluids, whereby colloidal Dy_ δ Fe_ 3- δ O_4 ultrafine particles were dispersed by using polymeric surfactant PMAA. The stabilities of the series of the ferrofluids were studied according to the stability indexes. The susceptibility measurements were made with a Farady-type magnetic balance at various temperatures and magnetic field intensities. In terms of Langevin function, the σ versus H/T curves showed that Dy-ferrite ferrofluids exhibited superparamagnetism behavior and the blocking temperatures were in the range from 160 to 200 K. Moreover, the ferrofluids were characterized by means of Infra-red spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Mssbauer spectroscopy.

Rigid Dysprosium(Ⅲ)Single-Molecule Magnets Exhibit Preserved Superparamagnetism in Solution

Molecules with long preserved magnetic moments are perceived as the smallest units for storing bytes,which could bring a new revolution for information technology.However,the rational design of such molecules remains challenging.Here two rigid adamantanol ligand based dysprosium(III)complexes([Dy(1-AdO)_(2)(py)_(5)]BPh_(4)-1 and[Dy(2-AdO)_(2)(py)_(5)]BPh_(4)-2)with pentagonal-bipyramidal coordination geometry and local D5h symmetry were successfully prepared,which display excellent single-molecule magnet(SMM)behavior(U_(eff)≈1835 K,T_(B)_(ZFC)≈24 K,T_(B)^(100s)≈17 K and T_(B)^(H)=23 K for 1;U_(eff)≈1756 K,T_(B)^(ZFC)≈20 K,T_(B)^(100s)≈16 K and T_(B)^(H)=23 K for 2)due to the much weakened vibration in low energy regimes.Remarkably,the large energy barriers and high blocking temperatures for these two complexes in solid states are well preserved in solution.This is never observed in previous studies of SMMs,indicating that the adamantanol is rigid and can be introduced to make the composed molecules stable enough to maintain the solid state magnetic property in solution.

High-frequency magnetic properties and superparamagnetism of nanocrystalline Fe_(72.7)Cu_(0.8)Nb_2V_2Si_(13.5)B_9 alloy

Typical nanocrystalline Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9 and Fe73.1Cu1.2Nb12.5Si12.5B10 alloys containmore expensive element Nb and their as-quenched amorphous ribbons are brittle. Partlyreplacing Nb by much cheaper V, we have developed a new-type Fe727Cu0.8Nb2V2Si13.5B9

Recent Progress in Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles(SPIONs)have immeasurable potentials in many fields such as nanobiotechnology and biomedical engineering because of their superparamagnetic properties and small particle size.This review introduces the methods for SPIONs synthesis,including co-precipitation,thermal decomposition,microemulsion and hydrothermal reaction,and surface modification of SPIONs with organometallic and inorganic metals,surface modification for targeted drug delivery,and the use of SPIONs as a contrast agent.In addition,this article also provides an overview of recent progress in SPIONs for the treatment of glioma,lung cancer and breast cancer.

Preparation and properties of a nano TiO_2/Fe_3O_4 composite superparamagnetic photocatalyst

Nano TiO2/Fe3O4 composite particles with different molar ratios of TiO2 to Fe3O4 were prepared via sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and vibration sample magnetometry were used to characterize the TiO2/Fe3O4 particles. The photocatalytic activity of the particles was tested by degrading methyl blue solution under UV illumination （254 nm）. The results indicate that with the content of TiO2 increasing, the photocatalytic activity of the composite particles enhances, while the magnetism of the particles decreases. When the molar ratio of TiO2 to Fe3O4 is about 8, both the photocatalytic activity and magnetism of the TiO2/Fe3O4 particles are relatively high, and their photocatalytic activity remains well after repeated use.

Preparation and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite/γ-Fe_2O_3 Hybrid Nanostructure

The hybrid particles composed of hydroxyapatite （HAp） and ferrite （ γ-Fe203） were synthesized by two-step precipitation method. The effect of reaction temperature on the morphology of the hybrids was also studied. The resultant hybrids were characterized by transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and X-ray diffraction analysis（XRD）. It was found that γ-Fe203 nanoparticles dispersed within the HAp matrix and these hybrids had a feather-like or spherical morphology when synthesized at 90 ℃ or room temperature, respectively. The magnetic properties of the hybrid showed good superparamagnetic feature, and they could be controlled by the external magnetic field.

Synthesis of NiFe_2O_4 Powders Well Defined in Size and Morphologies

The uniform NiFe2O4 powders with different particle size and morphologies (octahedral, cubic and spherical) have been prepared from different precursors via hydrothermal process. The nanocrystallines derived from precursor B in the weak alkali solution (pH≤10) are superparamagnetic.

Folate-conjugated Fe_3O_4 nanoparticles for in vivo tumor labeling

Highly biocompatible superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by amide of folic acid （FA） ligands and the NH2-group onto the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The as-synthesized folate-conjugated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction diffractometer, transmission electron microscope, FT-IR spectrometer, vibrating sample magnetometer, and dynamic light scattering instrument. The in vivo labeling effect of folate-conjugated Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the hepatoma cells was investigated in tumor-bearing rat. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared nanoparticles have cubic structure of Fe3O4 with a particle size of about 8 nm and hydrated diameter of 25.7 nm at a saturation magnetization of 51 A·m2/kg. These nanoparticles possess good physiological stability, low cytotoxicity on human skin fibroblasts and negligible effect on Wistar rats at the concentration as high as 3 mg/kg body mass. The folate-conjugated Fe3O4 nanoparticles could be effectively mediated into the human hepatoma Bel 7402 cells through the binding of folate and folic acid receptor, enhancing the signal contrast of tumor tissue and surrounding normal tissue in MRI imaging. It is in favor of the tumor cells labeling, tracing, magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） target detection and magnetic hyperthermia.

EFFECT OF SOLVENT ON THE MAGNETIC INTERACTIONS BETWEEN Fe_3O_4 PARTICLES AND SURFACTANTS

Mossbauer spectra for 5 nm Fe3O4 particles coated with different surfactants (the polar end groups as -COONa and -SO3Na) were measured and show a significant influence on superparamagnetic relaxation with and without the solvent. Some phenomena were explained by the superparamagnetism and the surfactant hydrophilicity.

Detection of Fe 3d electronic states in the valence band and magnetic properties of Fe-doped ZnO film

Fe-doped ZnO film has been grown by laser molecular beam epitaxy（L-MBE） and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction（XRD） and scanning electron microscopy（SEM）,all of which reveal the high quality of the film.No secondary phase was detected.Resonant photoemission spectroscopy（RPES） with photon energies around the Fe 2p-3d absorption edge is performed to detect the electronic structure in the valence band.A strong resonant effect at a photon energy of 710 eV is observed.Fe3＋ is the only valence state of Fe ions in the film and the Fe 3d electronic states are concentrated at binding energies of about 3.8 eV and 7 eV～8 eV.There are no electronic states related to Fe near the Fermi level.Magnetic measurements reveal a typical superparamagnetic property at room temperature.The absence of electronic states related to Fe near the Fermi level and the high quality of the film,with few defects,provide little support to ferromagnetism.

Controlled Preparation of Monodisperse CoFe_2O_4 Nanoparticles by a Facile Method

CoFe2O4 nanoparticles （NPs） were synthesized by coprecipitation method using FeCl3·6H2O and CoCl2·6H2O as precursors.The synthesized conditions were optimized,such as added means of precipitator,quantity of precipitator,the mol ratio of Fe 3＋ to Co2＋,reaction temperature and pH value.The synthesized material was characterized by XRD,TEM,FTIR,EDS,Raman and its magnetic properties were studied by VSM.The experimental results confirm that the sample is cubic spinel structure CoFe2O4 with a narrow size distribution and a good dispersion feature.CoFe2O4 NPs with well-controlled shape and size was obtained at 70℃.The magnetic properties indicate superparamagnetic behavior and good saturated magnetization.

Preparation of Superparamagnetic Dextran-coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles used as a Novel Gene Carrier into Human Bladder Cancer Cells'

Objective: Application of magnetic nanoparticles as gene carrier in gene therapy has developed quickly. This study was designed to investigate the preparation of superparamagnetic dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (SDION) and the feasibility of SDION used as a novel gene carrier for plasmid DNA in vitro. Methods: SDION were prepared by chemical coprecipitation and separated by gel filtration on Sephacryl S-300HR, characterized by TEM, laser scattering system and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer Signal Processor. The green fluorescent protein (pGFP-C2) plasmid DNA was used as target gene. SDION-pGFP-C2 conjugate compounds were produced by means of oxidoreduction reaction. The connection ratio of SDION and pGFP-C2 DNA was analyzed and evaluated by agarose electrophoresis and the concentration of pGFP-C2 in supernatant was measured. Using liposome as control, the transfection efficiency of SDION and liposome was respectively evaluated under fluorescence microscope in vitro. Results: The diameter of SDION ranges from 3 nm to 8 nm, the effective diameter was 59.2 nm and the saturation magnetization was 0.23 emu/g. After SDION were reasonably oxidized, SDION could connect with pGFP-C2 to a high degree. The transfection efficiency of SDION as gene carrier was higher than that of liposome. Conclusion: The successes in connecting SDION with pGFP-C2 plasmid by means of oxidoreduction reaction and in transferring pGFP-C2 gene into human bladder cancer BIU-87 cells in vitro provided the experimental evidence for the feasibility of SDION used as a novel gene carrier.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for treatment of spinal cord injury An in vivo magnetic resonance imaging tracking study

Non-invasive tracing in vivo can be used to observe the migration and distnbution of grafted stem cells, and can provide experimental evidence for treatment. This study utilized adenovirus-carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein （AD5/F35-eGFP） and superparamagnetic iron oxide （SPIO）-Iabeled bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs）. BMSCs, double-labeled by AD5/F35-eGFP and SPIO, were transplanted into rats with spinal cord injury via the subarachnoid space. MRI tracing results demonstrated that BMSCs migrated to the injured spinal cord over time （T2 hypointensity signals）. This result was verified by immunofluorescence. These results indicate that MRI can be utilized to trace in vivo the SPIO-labeled BMSCs after grafting.

Development and in vitro study of a bi-specific magnetic resonance imaging molecular probe for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)ranks second in terms of cancer mortality worldwide.Molecular magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)targeting HCC biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)or glypican-3(GPC3)offers new strategies to enhance specificity and help early diagnosis of HCC.However,the existing iron oxide nanoparticle-based MR molecular probes singly target AFP or GPC3,which may hinder their efficiency to detect heterogeneous micro malignant HCC tumors<1 cm(MHCC).We hypothesized that the strategy of double antibody-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles which simultaneously target AFP and GPC3 antigens may potentially be used to overcome the tumor heterogeneity and enhance the detection rate for MRI-based MHCC diagnosis.AIM To synthesize an AFP/GPC3 double antibody-labeled iron oxide MRI molecular probe and to assess its impact on MRI specificity and sensitivity at the cellular level.METHODS A double antigen-targeted MRI probe for MHCC anti-AFP-USPIO-anti-GPC3(UAG)was developed by simultaneously conjugating AFP andGPC3 antibodies to a 5 nm ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle(USPIO).At the same time,the singly labeled probes of anti-AFP-USPIO(UA)and anti-GPC3-USPIO(UG)and non-targeted USPIO(U)were also prepared for comparison.The physical characterization including morphology(transmission electron microscopy),hydrodynamic size,and zeta potential(dynamic light scattering)was conducted for each of the probes.The antigen targeting and MRI ability for these four kinds of USPIO probes were studied in the GPC3-expressing murine hepatoma cell line Hepa1-6/GPC3.First,AFP and GPC3 antigen expression in Hepa1-6/GPC3 cells was confirmed by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry.Then,the cellular uptake of USPIO probes was investigated by Prussian blue staining assay and in vitro MRI(T2-weighted and T2-map)with a 3.0 Tesla clinical MR scanner.RESULTS Our data showed that the double antibody-conjugated probe UAG had the best specificity in targeting Hepa1-6/GPC3 cells expressing AFP and GPC3 antigens compared with single antibody-conjugated and unconjugated USPIO probes.The iron Prussian blue staining and quantitative T2-map MRI analysis showed that,compared with UA,UG,and U,the uptake of double antigen-targeted UAG probe demonstrated a 23.3%(vs UA),15.4%(vs UG),and 57.3%(vs U)increased Prussian stained cell percentage and a 14.93%(vs UA),9.38%(vs UG),and 15.3%(vs U)reduction of T2 relaxation time,respectively.Such bi-specific probe might have the potential to overcome tumor heterogeneity.Meanwhile,the coupling of two antibodies did not influence the magnetic performance of USPIO,and the relatively small hydrodynamic size(59.60±1.87 nm)of double antibodyconjugated USPIO probe makes it a viable candidate for use in MHCC MRI in vivo,as they are slowly phagocytosed by macrophages.CONCLUSION The bi-specific probe presents enhanced targeting efficiency and MRI sensitivity to HCC cells than singly-or non-targeted USPIO,paving the way for in vivo translation to further evaluate its clinical potential.

Biodistribution and Toxicity Assessment of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles In Vitro and In Vivo

Biodistribution and toxicity assessment are critical for safe clinical use of newly developed medicines.Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION)are effective carriers for targeted drug delivery.This study aimed to examine the toxicity and biodistribution of SPION coated with polyethylenimine (PEI)(SPION-PEI)designed for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery both in vitro and in vivo.SPION-PEI/siRNA complexes were prepared at different weight ratios.Cytotoxic effects of SPION-PEI/siRNA on HSC-T6 cell viability were determined by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT).Rats were divided into three groups:a control group,a normal-saline group and a SPION-PEI/siRNA group.After a single intravenous injection,in vivo nanoparticle biodistribution and accumulation were evaluated by Prussian blue staining in the heart,liver,spleen,lung and kidney 8 h,24 h,and 7 days after the injection.Their distribution was histologically studied at the three time points by measuring ironpositive areas (μm2)in organ sections stained with Prussian blue.The same organs were analyzed by H&E staining for any possible histopathological changes.Furthermore,biochemical indexes such as alanine amino transaminase (ALT),aspartate transaminase (AST),blood urea nitrogen (BUN)and creatinine (CREA)were also assessed at all experimental time points.Electrophoresis exhibited that the SPION-PEI could retard siRNA altogether at weight ratios above 4.MTT assay showed that SPION-PEI loaded with siRNA had low cytotoxicity.In vivo study revealed that the liver and spleen were the major sites of SPION-PEI/siRNA deposition.The iron content was significantly increased in the liver and spleen,peaking 24 h after intravenous injection and then declining gradually.No evidence was found of irreversible histopathological damage to any of the organs tested.These results suggested that most SPION-PEI/siRNA complexes were distributed in the liver and spleen,which might be the target organs of SPION-PEI/siRNA complexes.SPION- PEI/siRNA may serve as in vivo carrier for biomedical medicines.

Current status of superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agents for liver magnetic resonance imaging

Five types of superparamagnetic iron oxide （SPIO）,i.e. Ferumoxides （Feridex？ Ⅳ, Berlex Laboratories）,Fe r u c a r b o t ra n （ Re s ov i s t？, B aye r H e a l t h c a re ） ,Ferumoxtran-10 （AMI-227 or Code-7227, Combidex？, AMAG Pharma; Sinerem？, Guerbet）, NC100150（Clariscan？, Nycomed,） and （VSOP C184, Ferropharm）have been designed and clinically tested as magneticresonance contrast agents. However, until nowResovist？ is current available in only a few countries.The other four agents have been stopped for furtherdevelopment or withdrawn from the market. AnotherSPIO agent Ferumoxytol （Feraheme） is approved forthe treatment of iron deficiency in adult chronic kidneydisease patients. Ferumoxytol is comprised of ironoxide particles surrounded by a carbohydrate coat, andit is being explored as a potential imaging approach forevaluating lymph nodes and certain liver tumors.

visual bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in the repair of spinal cord injury

An important factor in improving functional recovery from spinal cord injury using stem cells is maximizing the number of transplanted cells at the lesion site. Here, we established a contusion model of spinal cord injury by dropping a weight onto the spinal cord at T7_8. Superparamagnet- ic iron oxide-labeled bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were transplanted into the injured spinal cord via the subarachnoid space. An outer magnetic field was used to successfully guide the labeled cells to the lesion site. Prussian blue staining showed that more bone marrow mesen- chymal stem cells reached the lesion site in these rats than in those without magnetic guidance or snperparamagnetic iron oxide labeling, and immunofluorescence revealed a greater number of complete axons at the lesion site. Moreover, the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan （BBB） locomotor rating scale scores were the highest in rats with superparamagnetic labeling and magnetic guid- ance. Our data confirm that superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles effectively label bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and impart sufficient magnetism to respond to the external magnetic field guides. More importantly, superparamagnetic iron oxide-labeled bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can be dynamically and non-invasively tracked in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging. Superparamagnetic iron oxide labeling of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells coupled with magnetic guidance offers a promising avenue for the clinical treatment of spinal cord injury.

Dose-dependent Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Induced by "Naked" Fe_3O_4 Nanoparticles in Human Hepatocyte

The dose-dependent cytotoxicity effect on human hepatocyte（HL-7702 cells） induced by ＂naked＂ Fe3O4 nanoparticles was assessed through cell viabilities and lactate dehydrogenase（LDH） activities. Three important oxi dative indexes of the cells by glutathione peroxidase（GSH-Px）, superoxide dismutase（SOD） and malondialde hyde（MDA） were determined. The good correlation of the cell viabilities with their GSH-Px, SOD and MDA levels indicated that the cytotoxicity is related to activation of oxidative stress induced by Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The oxida tive stress also leads to corresponding DNA damage in a similar dose-dependent manner, followed by the changes of cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Such work provides important experimental data for the safety evaluation of superpa ramagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

In vivo tracking of human adipose-derived stem cells labeled with ferumoxytol in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion by magnetic resonance imaging

Ferumoxytol, an iron replacement product, is a new type of superparamagnetic iron oxide ap- proved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Herein, we assessed the feasibility of tracking transplanted human adipose-derived stem cells labeled with ferumoxytol in middle cerebral artery occlusion-injured rats by 3.0 T MRI in vivo. 1 × 104 human adipose-derived stem cells labeled with ferumoxytol-heparin-protamine were transplanted into the brains of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion. Neurologic impairment was scored at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days after transplantation. T2-weighted imaging and enhanced susceptibility-weighted angiography were used to observe transplanted cells. Results of imaging tests were compared with results of Prussian blue staining. The modified neurologic impairment scores were significantly lower in rats transplanted with cells at all time points except I day post-transplantation compared with rats without transplantation. Regions with hypointense signals on T2-weighted and enhanced susceptibility-weighted angiography images corresponded with areas stained by Prussian blue, suggesting the presence of superparamagnetic iron oxide particles within the engrafted cells. Enhanced susceptibility-weighted angiography image exhibited better sensitivity and contrast in tracing ferumoxytol-heparin-protamine-labeled human adipose-derived stem ceils compared with T2-weighted imaging in routine MRI.

Self-assembled superparamagnetic nanoparticles as MRI contrast agents — A review

Recent progress of the preparation and applications of superparamagnetic iron oxide（SPIO） clusters as magnetic resonance imaging（MRI） probes is reviewed with regard to their applications in labeling and tracking cells in vivo, in diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and tumors, and in drug delivery systems. Magnetic nanoparticles（NPs）, especially SPIO nanoparticles, have long been used as MRI contrast agents and as an advantageous nanoplatform for drug delivery,taking advantage of their unique magnetic properties and ability to function at the molecular and cellular levels. Due to advances in nanotechnology, various means to control SPIO NPs＇ size, composition, magnetization and relaxivity have been developed, as well as ways to usefully modify their surface. Recently, self-assembly of SPIO NP clusters in particulate carriers — such as polymeric micelles, vesicles, liposomes, and layer-by-layer（Lb L） capsules — have been widely studied for application as ultrasensitive MRI probes, owing to their remarkably high spin–spin（T2） relaxivity and convenience for further functionalization.