High-performance PEGylated Mn–Zn ferrite nanocrystals as a passive-targeted agent for magnetically induced cancer theranostics

• Published in: Biomaterials Vol. 35; no. 33; pp. 9126 - 9136
• Main Authors: Xie, Jun, Zhang, Yu, Yan, Caiyun, Song, Lina, Wen, Song, Zang, Fengchao, Chen, Gong, Ding, Qi, Yan, Changzhi, Gu, Ning
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2014
• Subjects: Advanced Basic Science; Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Coated Materials, Biocompatible - chemistry; Coated Materials, Biocompatible - pharmacology; Dentistry; Female; Ferric Compounds - chemistry; Ferric Compounds - pharmacology; High-performance; Magnetic Fields; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Magnetics; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mn–Zn ferrite nanocrystals; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Neoplasms - therapy; Passive targeting; PEGylation; Phospholipids - chemistry; Phospholipids - pharmacology; Polyethylene Glycols - chemistry; Polyethylene Glycols - pharmacology; Theranostics; Passive targeting; PEGylation; Mn–Zn ferrite nanocrystals; High-performance; Theranostics
• ISSN: 0142-9612; 1878-5905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.07.019

Abstract An effective magnetic nanocrystals (MNCs)-mediated theranostics strategy as a combination of simultaneous diagnostics and heating treatment of tumors by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and alternating current magnetic field (ACMF) is successfully developed. In this strategy, we had firstly synthesized a well-established Mn–Zn ferrite MNCs coated with PEG-phospholipids (1,2-distearoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine- N -[methoxy(polyethylene glycol copolymers, DSPE-PEG2000). The monodisperse PEGylated MNCs with core–shell structure (15 nm) exhibited excellent performance, such as high magnetism of 98 emu g−1 Fe, relaxivity coefficient ( r 2) of 338 m m−1  s−1 , and specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 324 W g−1 Fe. It was proved that the obtained MNCs with an average diameter of 48.6 nm can drastically minimize the recognition and phagocytosis of macrophages, simultaneously improve their biocompatibility in vitro . These advantages endowed them with efficient passive targeting ability in vivo for prominent tumor MRI and magnetically induced heating when exposed to ACMF, based on enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects. To ensure sufficient accumulation of MNCs within tumors for targeted hyperthermia, we described the use of MNCs with a well-tolerated intravenous single dose of 18 mg Fe/kg mouse body weight, achieving repeatedly injection and hyperthermia within a subcutaneous breast cell carcinoma mouse model. With an ACMF of 12 A at 390 kHz, the tumor surface sites could be heated to approximately 43 °C in 30 min based on MNCs-mediated intravenous injections. The long-lasting hyperthermia could effectively induce the apoptosis of tumor cells, inhibit the angiogenesis of tumor vessels, and finally suppress the tumor growth within a certain period of time.