Abstract
This study demonstrates a new candidate for targeted Magnetic Resonance Imaging contrast agent based on holmium nanoparticles. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools in cancer diagnosis which enables anatomical images of soft tissues with a resolution much higher than other imaging techniques. Holmium has been known for its high magnetic moment which can improve Magnetic Resonance Imaging signals as T2-Magnetic Resonance Imaging contrast agent. This research focuses on modifying folic acid on the surface of polyethyelene glycol coated- holmium nanoparticles to deliver holmium nanoparticles selectively to the cancer-overexpressed folic acid receptors, such as cervical cancer. Their preparation and characterization with several analytical instruments such as Thermal Emission Microscope to observe their shape and size, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopies to investigate the folic acid and polyethylene glycol molecules on nanoparticles are also included. From the results, morphology images show a narrow size distribution below 20 nm after the functionalization of polyethyelene glycol-coated holmium nanoparticles with and without folic acid modification. Based on ultraviolet and infrared spectrum analysis, the presences of folic acid and polyethylene glycol molecules on nanoparticles were also identified. The typical peaks of folic acid at around 280 and 360 nm were found on folic acid-modified nanoparticles spectras. In addition, infrared spectroscopy results at around 2800 cm-1 originated from polyethylene glycol molecules on nanoparticles was also observed. Furthermore, based on a preliminary cytotoxicity study, there are no significant differences between polyethylene glycol-coated nanoparticles modified with and without folic acid in terms of toxicity. Based on these results, folic acid-modified holmium nanoparticles showed promising preliminary results to be utilized as targeted Magnetic Resonance Imaging contrast agent for diagnostic purposes.
Published Version
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