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Lectin–Gd-Loaded Chitosan Hydrogel Nanoparticles: A New Biospecific Contrast Agent for MRI

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Abstract

Purpose

Non-specific extracellular contrast agents have been on the market for more than 15 years. Here, we report on the synthesis of new selective lectin–gadolinium (Gd)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles with a prolonged clearance time and a much higher relaxivity in comparison to other preparations.

Procedures

Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared from 85% deacetylated chitin by glutaraldehyde cross-linking of an aqueous acetic acid dispersion of chitosan in a mixture of n-hexane using sodium bis(ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate as a surfactant.

Results

Several crucial parameters, namely, the Gd and protein content of the nanoparticles, their size and dispersity were determined. Magnetic resonance measurements were carried out by intravenous perfusion of mono-disperse suspensions of the nanoparticles into mice.

Conclusions

Chitosan nanoparticles can be used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They are excellent candidates for controlled delivery of bioactive compounds to molecular targets and as biospecific diagnostic tools in MRI.

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully appreciate the support of the Austrian National Bank, Jubilee project Number 2793, Central Research Animal Facility of the University of Innsbruck (Prof. H. Dietrich) and Kristian Pfaller, Ms. Silvia Fill and Ms. Angelika Flörl for the excellent technical assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 42, 1090, Vienna, Austria

    Irena Pashkunova-Martic, M. S. Galanski, Vladimir Arion & Bernhard Keppler

  2. Department of Radiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anich Strasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Christian Kremser & Werner Jaschke

  3. Department of Histology and Molecular Cell Biology, Innsbruck Medical University, Müller Strasse 59, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Paul Debbage

Authors
  1. Irena Pashkunova-Martic
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  2. Christian Kremser
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  3. M. S. Galanski
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  4. Vladimir Arion
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  5. Paul Debbage
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  6. Werner Jaschke
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  7. Bernhard Keppler
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bernhard Keppler.

Additional information

Significance: polymeric nanoparticles can be used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. They are excellent candidates for the controlled release of many pharmaceutical compounds to molecular targets because of their biodegradable nature.

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Pashkunova-Martic, I., Kremser, C., Galanski, M.S. et al. Lectin–Gd-Loaded Chitosan Hydrogel Nanoparticles: A New Biospecific Contrast Agent for MRI. Mol Imaging Biol 13, 16–24 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11307-010-0309-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11307-010-0309-x

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