Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Probes for Molecular Imaging
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University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons Departmental Papers (BE) Department of Bioengineering 1-1-2006 Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Probes for Molecular Imaging Daniel L. J Thorek University of Pennsylvania, [email protected] Antony K. Chen University of Pennsylvania, [email protected] Julie Czupryna University of Pennsylvania, [email protected] Andrew Tsourkas University of Pennsylvania, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/be_papers Part of the Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Engineering Commons Recommended Citation Thorek, D. L., Chen, A. K., Czupryna, J., & Tsourkas, A. (2006). Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Probes for Molecular Imaging. Retrieved from https://repository.upenn.edu/be_papers/77 Postprint version. Published in Annals of Biomedical Engineering, Volume 34, Issue 1, January 2006, pages 23-38. Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10439-005-9002-7 This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/be_papers/77 For more information, please contact [email protected]. Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Probes for Molecular Imaging Abstract The field of molecular imaging has ecentlyr seen rapid advances in the development of novel contrast agents and the implementation of insightful approaches to monitor biological processes non-invasively. In particular, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) have demonstrated their utility as an important tool for enhancing magnetic resonance contrast, allowing researchers to monitor not only anatomical changes, but physiological and molecular changes as well. Applications have ranged from detecting inflammatory diseases via the accumulation of non-targeted SPIO in infiltrating macrophages to the specific identification of cell surface markers expressed on tumors. In this article, we attempt to illustrate the broad utility of SPIO in molecular imaging, including some of the recent developments, such as the transformation of SPIO into an activatable probe termed the magnetic relaxation switch. Keywords molecular imaging, nanoparticles, SPIO, magnetic resonance Disciplines Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Engineering Comments Postprint version. Published in Annals of Biomedical Engineering, Volume 34, Issue 1, January 2006, pages 23-38. Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10439-005-9002-7 This journal article is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn.edu/be_papers/77 Annals of Biomedical Engineering (C 2006) DOI: 10.1007/s10439-005-9002-7 Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Probes for Molecular Imaging DANIEL L. J. THOREK,ANTONY K. CHEN,JULIE CZUPRYNA,andANDREW TSOURKAS Cellular and Molecular Imaging Group, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Received 30 June 2005; accepted 12 September 2005) Abstract—The field of molecular imaging has recently seen rapid In response to the promise of molecular imaging, the advances in the development of novel contrast agents and the amalgamated field of bioengineering and nanotechnology implementation of insightful approaches to monitor biological has emerged to provide researchers and clinicians with a processes non-invasively. In particular, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) have demonstrated their utility as an multiplying array of possibilities. The technology of mag- important tool for enhancing magnetic resonance contrast, al- netic nanoparticle probes, in particular, has seen increased lowing researchers to monitor not only anatomical changes, but efforts devoted to maturing its potential as a central tool for physiological and molecular changes as well. Applications have efficient, cross-application, molecular imaging. Although ranged from detecting inflammatory diseases via the accumulation particles of iron oxide have been used as magnetic con- of non-targeted SPIO in infiltrating macrophages to the specific 46 identification of cell surface markers expressed on tumors. In this trast agents for over 45 years, refinement in the synthesis article, we attempt to illustrate the broad utility of SPIO in molec- and coating of magnetic nanoparticles, especially in the ular imaging, including some of the recent developments, such as last decade, has led to their employment in an abundance the transformation of SPIO into an activatable probe termed the of novel biological applications. These applications in- magnetic relaxation switch. clude blood pooling, tissue and cell specific contrast agents for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, cell tracking, and Keywords—Molecular imaging, Nanoparticles, SPIO, Magnetic biomolecular detection. resonance. Typically, magnetic nanoparticle probes for biomedical applications are comprised of nanoscale superparamagnetic INTRODUCTION iron oxide (SPIO) cores of magnetite and/or maghemite encased in polysaccharide, synthetic polymer, or monomer The field of molecular imaging has recently gained coatings. While other embodiments for MR contrast agents widespread interest across a spectrum of disciplines. While exist, including different transition metal systems such as it lacks a universal definition, molecular imaging can be cobalt-ferrite97 or soluble paramagnetic chelates, such as outlined as the “non-invasive, quantitative, and repetitive gadolinium,40,84 they are outside the scope of this review imaging of targeted macromolecules and biological pro- and will not be discussed in depth. Rather, this review will cesses in living organisms.”57 The underlying premise of focus specifically on the use of SPIO as a molecular imag- molecular imaging is that most disease processes can be ing agent. In particular, we will first discuss some of the identified by altered molecular profiles and/or cell behav- physico-chemical properties and synthesis strategies of iron ior prior to visual anatomic alterations. Such insight could oxide nanoparticles. Then, we will provide an overview of potentially allow for (1) the early detection of disease, (2) the many exciting applications of SPIO both as a passive more accurate prognoses and personalized treatments, (3) and active targeting imaging agent. Finally, we will exam- the ability to monitor the effectiveness of therapeutic treat- ine several emerging applications for SPIO including cell ments, and (4) improvements in our understanding of how tracking and magnetic relaxation switches. cells behave and interact in their intact environment in living subjects. Therefore, it is envisioned that molecular imag- ing could have a profound effect on progress in both the PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SPIO laboratory and the clinic. Iron Oxide Core Structure SPIO typically consist of two components, an iron oxide Address correspondence to Andrew Tsourkas, Cellular and Molec- ular Imaging Group, Department of Bioengineering, University of core and a hydrophilic coating. The SPIO core can be com- Pennsylvania, 3320 Smith Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Electronic mail: posed of magnetite (Fe3O4) and/or maghemite (γ Fe2O3). [email protected] Maghemite is the ferrimagnetic cubic form of Fe(III) oxide 0090-6964/06 C 2006 Biomedical Engineering Society THOREK et al. and it differs from the inverse spinel structure of magnetite of single domain crystals, which are classified as super- through vacancies on the cation sublattice. However, both paramagnetic.35,137 The term superparamagnetic refers to compositions possess similar lattice parameters at 8.396 the characteristic strong paramagnetic nature of the parti- and 8.346 A˚ for magnetite and maghemite, respectively.14 cles at this scale. Paramagnetic materials are distinguished Oxidation of synthesized SPIO converts Fe3O4 to γ Fe2O3 through the tendency of their atomic magnetic dipoles to and can be accomplished through exposure to oxygen or align with an external magnetic field, their small positive oxidizing agents. This results in the change of the material magnetic susceptibility (i.e., ability to strengthen the field appearance from a black-brown to a red-brown as Fe2+ in they are in), and their random orientation in the absence the magnetite lattice oxidizes. It should be noted, however, of a magnetic field (due to Brownian fluctuations). SPIO that the two iron oxide structures possess similar magnetic have much larger susceptibilities (compared with strictly properties, although maghemite does have a slightly lower paramagnetic materials) as the entire crystal aligns with the saturation magnetization.25,141 applied field due to its single crystal nature. When SPIO are placed in an external magnetic field Classifications their moments align in the direction of the magnetic field and enhance the magnetic flux. This ability to elicit sub- SPIO sizes range greatly from 2 to 3 nm for citrate stantial disturbances in the local magnetic field through inhibited growth SPIO,89 tens of nanometers for polymer- large magnetic moments leads to a rapid dephasing of sur- coated polycrystalline iron oxide nanoparticles through to rounding protons, generating a detectable change in the micrometers for orally ingestible contrast agents. Larger MR signal. Thus, the imaging capability provided is not diameters are available and are useful in such enterprises from the SPIO intrinsically, but through their influence on as cell tracking134,58 and separation,73 cell rheology and longitudinal and transverse relaxation of the surrounding membrane deformation,38,151 and as contrast agents for the nuclei. Although the ability of SPIO to significantly reduce