Synthesis and characterization of targeted superparamagnetic MRI contrast agent MnFe2O4-chitosan-folate

Abstract

Superparamagnetic materials MnFe2O4 in nanosized form, is useful for some applications such as magnetic storage, electronic devices, biosensing and MRI contrast agent. Efficiency of the contrast agent (CA) delivery to cellular targets generally depends on the rate of vascular extravasation and pharmacokinetics in the plasma. Contrast agents with longer circulation time could show better kinetics at the target site. In this research, strategies to prolong the plasma life is conjugatingMnFe2O4 NPs with chitosan-folate. MnFe2O4 NPs were synthesized from MnCl2 with FeCl3 using a reducing agent NaOH. In other side, chitosan was conjugated with folic acid to produce chitosan-folate compounds. Then chitosan-folate was reacted with MnFe2O4 nanoparticles to produce MnFe2O4 -chitosan-folate.MnFe2O4 nanoparticles was characterized using UV Vis, FTIR, PSA and SEM EDX. The characterization of MnFe2O4 -chitosan-folate is also carried out using radioactive agent by labeling with 99mTc radionuclide which will produce the MnFe2O4 - (99m Tc) Chitosan-folate complex. The characterization tests using 99m Tc radionuclides showed yields and radiochemical purity ofmore than 95%. It indicates that the compound of MnFe2O4-chitosan-folate has been successfully synthesized. MnFe2O4-chitosan-folate nanoparticles as finished product will be used for targeted MRI Contrast agent.