Modification of thiol groups on magnetic nanoparticles for theranostics

Abstract

Co1-xMgxFe2O4（x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0）nanoparticles surrounded by amorphous SiO2 with particle sizes around 5 nm were prepared by an original wet chemical method. Furthermore, in order to develop the particles for conjugation with proteins, thiol group was modified. These particles were further confirmed as an agent for hyperthermia treatment. The heat dissipation characteristics of the particles were investigated by measuring AC magnetic susceptibility and the relationship between the imaginary part of AC magnetic susceptibility χ” and the increase in temperature in the AC field was estimated. We have carried out spin echo MRI measurements for Co1-xMgxFe2O4 nanoparticles using a 0.3-T MRI system. The particles showed drastic T2 shortening effect comparing to agarose as background depending on the composition. All the particles showed effective relaxivity, R2 values and significant contrast was observed in the phantom image. These particles are expected for future agents for theranostics.