Abstract
Differently sized NaGdF 4 nanocrystals with narrow particle size distributions were synthesized by a high temperature approach. Upon ligand exchange, the as-prepared hydrophobic NaGdF 4 nanocrystals were transferred into water by using asymmetric PEGs simultaneously bearing phosphate and maleimide groups. Further investigations demonstrated that the water-soluble NaGdF 4 nanocrystals, coated by PEG bearing two phosphate groups on the same side, exhibit not only excellent colloidal stability in water and PBS buffer, but also higher T1 relaxivity than Gd-DTPA (Magnevist). Through "click" reaction between the maleimide residue on particle surface and thiol group from the partly reduced anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (mAb), NaGdF 4 -PEG-mAb nanoprobes were constructed, and their biocompatibility and binding specificity were evaluated through in vitro experiments. A series of in vivo experiments were then carried out for detecting intraperitoneal tumor xenografts in nude mice by using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique. The results revealed that the NaGdF 4 -PEG-mAb probes possessed satisfying tumor-specific targeting ability and strong MR contrast enhancement effects.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 330-338 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | ACS Nano |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 22 Jan 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- intraperitoneal tumor xenografts
- ligand exchange
- MR molecular imaging probe
- NaGdF nanoparticles
- T1 contrast agent