Use Of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles Research Articles

A Short Appraisal of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer: In vitro and In vivo Research.

The increasing incidence of breast cancer and the associated morbidity due to higher metastasis created the urge to develop a nanocarrier that can be used as a potent therapeutic carrier with targeting efficacy. The use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles in breast cancer research and treatment has gained considerable attention in recent years. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can be used to construct nanocarriers since they possess superior properties such as superparamagnetism, easy surface functionalization to attach ligands, and non-immunogenic. MNPs are superior carriers that are used to target cancer cells without harming the normal cells in the body, which leads to therapeutic efficacy in the body. Along with their established anticancer potential and enhanced drug concentration at endosomal pH, the superparamagnetic property of MNPs was further exploited for their applications in reticuloendothelial uptake, drug delivery, medical imaging, and theranostics applications in breast cancer. Moreover, the clinical translational of MNPs, along with future prospects and key challenges in vivo, have been duly presented in the final review. The scientists preferred the ongoing research in MNPs due to their high biocompatibility and ease of targeting at molecular and cellular levels. The review highlighted the in vitro and in vivo research and patent supported data for potential use of MNPs for the treatment of breast cancer.

Abstract PO5-20-01: SENTINOT2- Use of superparamagnetic iron oxide tracer to avoid unnecessary sentinel lymph node biopsies

Abstract Background/Purpose: The use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide tracers (Magtrace) and electromagnetometers (SentiMag) for the detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) during breast cancer surgery has been demonstrated to be noninferior to traditional radioisotope (RI) and blue dye detection, with additional safety benefits. Previous work has shown that transcutaneous detection of SLN with Magtrace/Sentimag is possible for over 30 days. Because of the safety, efficacy, and long detection window of Magtrace, we aim to investigate the use of Magtrace to prevent unnecessary SLN biopsies (SLNB) in breast cancer surgery. SLNB are commonly performed during breast conserving surgeries (BCS) or mastectomy for patients with a preoperative diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS). Because metastasis is not expected in patients diagnosed with DCIS, SLNB may be unnecessary and potentially harmful. However, in 15-25% of cases, unexpected invasive carcinoma is found during the post-surgical histopathological analysis of the resected breast tissue. For these cases, if SLNB are forgone during the initial surgery, SLNB during a second (delayed) procedure is the usual standard of care to evaluate SLN for metastasis. However, potential changes to lymphatic drainage following the initial resection may affect tracer localization to SLN. Consequently, we aim to compare SLN detection rates during delayed SLNB with Magtrace administered prior to initial BCS or mastectomy and subsequent RI tracer administered prior to delayed SLNB. Methods: SENTINOT2 is an ongoing international trial with BCM as the sole US site. For eligible patients with a preoperative diagnosis of DCIS, Magtrace will be administered prior to BCS or mastectomy. If invasive carcinoma is found from the post-surgical histopathological analysis, patients will receive delayed SLNB within 4 weeks of their initial surgery. Prior to delayed SLNB, patients will be randomized into two groups differing in the order of modality used for SLN detection (Magtrace or RI). Subjects with the following conditions will be excluded from the study: hypersensitivity to Magtrace, iron overload disease, pregnancy, and lactation. The total expected accrual for this study is 538 subjects globally and 50 subjects at BCM. Results: Currently, 19 patients have been enrolled in SENTINOT2. The subject population is 11% Asian, 26% Black/African American, and 47% Caucasian with non-Hispanic ethnicity. 5% of subjects identified as Hispanic Caucasian and 11% of subjects declined to report their race or ethnicity. 79% of patients had mastectomies, while 21% had BCS. After post-surgical histopathological analysis, 21% (4/19) patients were determined to have invasive carcinoma and received delayed SLNB. 50% (2/4) of these patients were randomized to have Magtrace as their first SLN detection modality (Mag-RI) while the other 50% (2/4) had RI as their first SLN detection modality (RI-Mag). Table 1 shows comparable SLN detection rates between Magtrace and RI for patients who received delayed SLNB. Only 1/4 patients showed SLN metastasis. For this patient, the positive SLN was successfully detected by both modalities. Conclusion: Magtrace has shown potential in delayed SLN detection and the use of Magtrace has prevented 79% (15/19) of enrolled patients from receiving unnecessary SLNB. Table 1. Number of Lymph Nodes (LN) Detected by Magtrace/Radioisotope, Biopsied and Positive for Metastasis Citation Format: Mary Bajomo, Ivan Marin, Jessica Montalvan, Margarita Riojas-Barrett, Logan Healy, Elizabeth Bonefas, Stacey Carter, Alastair Thompson. SENTINOT2- Use of superparamagnetic iron oxide tracer to avoid unnecessary sentinel lymph node biopsies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-20-01.

Magnetically Separable Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 Photocatalyst Composites Prepared through Hetero Agglomeration for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Paraquat

A photocatalyst supported on magnetic material allows the simple technique by using an external magnetic material to separate photocatalyst from the treated water. Thus, it is a magnetically separable nanoparticles photocatalyst (MSNP). The use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles that do not pose spontaneous magnetic moment thus could be dispersed in water and can be recollected easily by an external magnetic bar. We prepare Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 composite by hetero agglomeration of Fe3O4/SiO2 and TiO2 at a pH range of 3 to 6.2 in an aqueous slurry.The Fe3O4/SiO2 was prepared via co-precipitation of iron (II) and iron (III) ionic solution containing ammonium hydroxide and sodium silicate. The prepared composites were characterized by XRD, TEM, FTIR, and VSM, while the photocatalytic activities were tested toward paraquat in water. Based on zeta potential values, the Fe3O4/SiO2and TiO2 were being hetero agglomerated at pH 5 to obtain Fe3O4/SiO­2/TiO2 composite. The XRD characterization confirmed the presence of anatase, rutile, and magnetite crystal phases. TEM images showed that the Fe3O4 was covered by SiO2 and randomly attached to TiO2. The observed FTIR peak at 940-960 cm-1 attributed to -Si-O-Ti- bonding mode, ensuring photocatalyst (TiO2) adherence to the Fe3O4/SiO2 cluster. The prepared Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 composite showed good photocatalytic activity for the paraquat removal and showed a good magnetic property (VSM measurement)

Superparamagnetic Ag-Fe3O4 composites nanoparticles for magnetic fluid hyperthermia

The increased use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles in medical applications motivates the development of new nanostructured materials and nanocomposites with tailored properties. In magnetic fluid hyperthermia, iron oxide nanoparticles destroy or weaken malignant tumor cells by increasing their temperature above a critical value. Therefore, magnetic nanoparticles with high heating efficiency are required. In this work, Ag-Fe3O4 composite nanoparticles and their corresponding ferrofluids are explored for hyperthermia applications. The iron oxide nanoparticles were first synthesized in an egg-white medium via coprecipitation and hydrothermal methods and then decorated with Ag, using honey as a reducing agent. The obtained nanoparticles were fully characterized and used to prepare water-based ferrofluids. The ferrofluid specific loss power was evaluated in an alternating magnetic field with frequency of 274 kHz and amplitude of 13.9 kA/m, confirming that Ag-Fe3O4 composite magnetic nanoparticles have a high potential for heat generation when compared with Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The observed physical properties and heating power values are discussed based on the synthesis route, particle size distribution, and physical properties.

Use of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles to Remove Arsenite from Contaminated Water

The arsenite removal from the water was attributed using thiol (S-H) coupled magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The composite Fe3O4-SiO2-linker-AB9 (AB-MNP) was made using MNPs coated with the amine-functionalized silica surface, which is then coupled to AB9= 2,2’-(isophthaloybis(azanaediyl))bis-3-mercaptopropanoic acid; (a sulfhydryl compound with pendant carboxylate groups). Complete arsenic removal was achieved with As(III) solutions of 200, 500, and 1000 ppb resulting in detectable arsenic dropped to below 10 ppb. This single solid-composite immobilize As(III) by forming strong covalent As-S bonds producing “proposed” structure As(III)-AB9@MNP (Figure 1). The components of this new composite material are made from non-toxic, earth-abundant elements, and rapid magnetic separation allows them to be used as an effective, affordable means of providing arsenic-free drinking water to at-risk populations around the world. Figure 1

Recent Advances Incorporating Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles into Immunoassays.

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPMNPs) have attracted interest for various biomedical applications due to their unique magnetic behavior, excellent biocompatibility, easy surface modification, and low cost. Their unique magnetic properties, superparamagnetism, and magnetophoretic mobility have led to their inclusion in immunoassays to enhance biosensor sensitivity and allow for rapid detection of various analytes. In this review, we describe SPMNP characteristics valuable for incorporation into biosensors, including the use of SPMNPs to increase detection capabilities of surface plasmon resonance and giant magneto-resistive biosensors. The current status of SPMNP-based immunoassays to improve the sensitivity of rapid diagnostic tests is reviewed, and suggested strategies for the successful adoption of SPMNPs for immunoassays are presented.

Protocol for eukaryotic plasma membrane isolation using superparamagnetic nanoparticles

Abstract Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPMNP) are used in cell biology for various applications such as subcellular fractionation and for high pure organelle isolation. We simplified previously established methodology with the use of SPMNP for isolation of high pure and high yield plasma membrane from adherent eukaryotic cell line (Thimiri Govinda Raj et al., 2011, 2012, 2016; Tharkeshwar et al., 2014). Here, we show a step by step protocol for SPMNP based plasma membrane fractionation. Our research thus could be used as an alternative method to isolate plasma membrane fraction for cell biology, system biology and immunology research.

Scanning Magneto-Inductive Sensor for Quantitative Assay of Prostate-Specific Antigen

Among analytical tests available for point-of-care diagnostics, the lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) stands out for its low-cost, speed, portability, and ease of use. By its nature, this paper-based instrument is qualitative, intended to provide a positive/negative reading. LFIA, coupled to a quantitative readout device that did not compromise its advantages, would be a powerful tool for many clinical and biological applications. A promising enabling strategy is the use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles as labels. Their reduction of visual signal compared to gold or latex reporters is compensated by their magnetic induction, which enables absolute quantification with magnetic sensors. In this letter, a magnetic LFIA reader is presented that exploits spontaneous magnetic switching, a characteristic of superparamagnetism, to produce a quantifiable electromagnetic induction in an alternating current carrier. In contrast to other magnetic sensors, this approach does not require the application of external magnetic fields, which greatly reduces its complexity. The capability of the system for bioanalyte quantification has been proved by successfully measuring prostate-specific antigen levels in the interval of clinical interest.

Poly-paclitaxel/cyclodextrin-SPION nano-assembly for magnetically guided drug delivery system

This work demonstrates the development of magnetically guided drug delivery systems and its potential on efficient anticancer therapy. The magnetically guided drug delivery system was successfully developed by utilizing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle, β-cyclodextrin, and polymerized paclitaxel. Multivalent host-guest interactions between β-cyclodextrin-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle and polymerized paclitaxel allowed to load the paclitaxel and the nanoparticle into the nano-assembly. Clusterized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the nano-assembly permitted the rapid and efficient targeted drug delivery. Compared to the control groups, the developed nano-assembly showed the enhanced anticancer effects in vivo as well as in vitro. Consequently, the strategy of the use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles and multivalent host-guest interactions has a promising potential for developing the efficient drug delivery systems.

Nanoscale tuning of enzyme localization for enhanced reactor performance in a novel magnetic-responsive biocatalytic membrane reactor

The synergistic magnetic interaction between biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles and a hybrid membrane is exploited to develop a nano-inspired, magnetic-responsive enzyme membrane (micro) reactor. The novelty of the process lies in the use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles both as enzyme carrier to form bionanocomposites and as nanofiller to form organic–inorganic (O/I) hybrid membrane to render both reversibly magnetizable. This reversible magnetic force facilitates dispersion of the enzymatically active magnetic nanoparticles (bionanocomposites) over the membrane surface, allows retention of the enzyme by a large pore, i.e., high-flux membrane and renders enzyme recovery after use is very easy. The feasibility and versatility of the concept is demonstrated through 2 case studies, i.e., a pectin/polygalacturonase and an arabinoxylan/xylanase system, for membrane fouling prevention through in-situ enzymatic membrane cleaning. This robust multidisciplinary approach resulted in a 75% reduction in filtration resistance, thus realizing significant energy savings and high reactor productivity. The advantages of the novel approach include: (i) absence of need for neither functionalized nor retentive membrane surfaces, (ii) no leakage of nanosized, high surface area immobilized enzymes through microporous membranes, (iii) full recovery and re-usability of the enzymes, (iv) possibility to apply enzyme cocktails to achieve optimal conversions and (v) use of the membrane beyond the enzyme life cycle.

Direct use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles as electrode modifiers for the analysis of mercury ions from aqueous solution and crude petroleum samples

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles previously modified with mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane were employed in this work as electrode modifiers, for direct use in the presence of an external miniature magnet, for the analysis of mercury ions from aqueous solutions, as well as from crude oil. After capturing the mercury ions, the nanoparticles were magnetically concentrated at the electrode surface. The nanoparticles coating exhibited a sharp electrochemical response, and the preconcentration effect led to a strong enhancement of the electrochemical signals. The in situ magnetic coupled electroanalysis was successfully demonstrated for mercury ions and confronted with parallel energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence measurements. Rather consistent results were observed for mercury ions either from aqueous solutions, as well as from the crude oil samples.

Electrochemical DNA aptamer-based biosensor for OTA detection, using superparamagnetic nanoparticles

A novel electrochemical aptasensor, based on disposable screen-printed electrodes was developed for the sensitive detection of the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA). Two strategies were investigated by using an indirect and a direct competitive assay, based on the use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The performance of the optimized aptasensors in terms of reproducibility, stability, sensitivity, and analysis time was studied. The best strategy was found to be the direct competitive format. In this assay, free OTA competed with labeled alkaline phosphatase–OTA for the binding to the DNA aptamer immobilized on magnetic beads. The electrochemical detection was thus achieved through a suitable substrate for the enzyme ALP, by Differential Pulse Voltammetry. The aptasensor obtained using this novel approach allowed detection limit of 0.11 ng/mL, and was also validated for real sample analysis.

Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles for Effective Delivery of Malaria DNA Vaccine

Low efficiency is often observed in the delivery of DNA vaccines. The use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs) to deliver genes via magnetofection could improve transfection efficiency and target the vector to its desired locality. Here, magnetofection was used to enhance the delivery of a malaria DNA vaccine encoding Plasmodium yoelii merozoite surface protein MSP1(19) (VR1020-PyMSP1(19)) that plays a critical role in Plasmodium immunity. The plasmid DNA (pDNA) containing membrane associated 19-kDa carboxyl-terminal fragment of merozoite surface protein 1 (PyMSP1(19)) was conjugated with superparamagnetic nanoparticles coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymer, with different molar ratio of PEI nitrogen to DNA phosphate. We reported the effects of SPIONs-PEI complexation pH values on the properties of the resulting particles, including their ability to condense DNA and the gene expression in vitro. By initially lowering the pH value of SPIONs-PEI complexes to 2.0, the size of the complexes decreased since PEI contained a large number of amino groups that became increasingly protonated under acidic condition, with the electrostatic repulsion inducing less aggregation. Further reaggregation was prevented when the pHs of the complexes were increased to 4.0 and 7.0, respectively, before DNA addition. SPIONs/PEI complexes at pH 4.0 showed better binding capability with PyMSP1(19) gene-containing pDNA than those at neutral pH, despite the negligible differences in the size and surface charge of the complexes. This study indicated that the ability to protect DNA molecules due to the structure of the polymer at acidic pH could help improve the transfection efficiency. The transfection efficiency of magnetic nanoparticle as carrier for malaria DNA vaccine in vitro into eukaryotic cells, as indicated via PyMSP1(19) expression, was significantly enhanced under the application of external magnetic field, while the cytotoxicity was comparable to the benchmark nonviral reagent (Lipofectamine 2000).

Magnetic coupled electrochemistry: Exploring the use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles for capturing, transporting and concentrating trace amounts of analytes

We propose the use of functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles for capturing, and transporting analytes, in association with an external miniature magnet to deposit such nanocarrier species at the electrode surface. This approach can be employed for the electroanalytical determination of chemical species capable of interacting with the nanoparticles, or in the opposite case, to block their response at the electrode surface. The concept was successfully demonstrated by using aminofunctionalized nanoparticles to block the discharge of hexacyanoferrate(II) ions, and to enhance the signals of aquapentacyanoferrate(II) ions via coordination to the surface amino groups. Selective analysis was also performed for silver ions, surpassing the stripping methods in terms of versatility and usefulness.

The use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles for prosthetic biofilm prevention

As with all surgical procedures, implantation comes with the added risk of infection. The goal of this in vitro study was to explore the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) as a multifunctional platform to prevent biofilm formation. Results showed for the first time decreased Staphylococcus epidermidis numbers when exposed to 100 microg/ml of SPION for 12 hours and this trend continued for up to 48 hours. Prevention of colony assembly, a prerequisite to biofilm formation, was also observed at lower SPION dosages of 10 microg/ml after 12 hours. Coupled with previous studies demonstrating enhanced bone cell functions in the presence of the same concentration of SPION, the present results provided much promise for the use of SPION for numerous anti-infection orthopedic applications.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) based on superparamagnetic nanoparticles for aflatoxin M 1 detection

Five different clones of antibodies developed against the aflatoxin M 1 were investigated by using the classical indirect and direct competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) formats, and also the direct competitive ELISA based on the use of the superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The purpose of this study was to assess if not so friendly time classical ELISA procedures can be further improved, by reducing the coating, blocking and competition time. Here we showed that a complete dc-ELISA (coating, blocking and competition step) based on the use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles can be performed in basically 40 min, if coating step (20 min) should be taken into account. Moreover, the standard analytical characteristics of the proposed method fulfil the requirements for detecting AFM 1 in milk, in a wide linear working range (4–250 ng/L). The IC 50 value is 15 ng/L. The matrix effect and the recovery rate were assessed, using the European Reference Material (BD282, zero level of AFM 1), showing an excellent percentage of recovery, close to 100%.

Vascular tissue engineering with magnetic nanoparticles: seeing deeper

The endothelium bares a paramount therapeutic and diagnostic significance in vascular disease. The current work presents a novel strategy based on the use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles to obtain an endothelial cell lining on the luminal surface of vascular conduits, which can be detected non-invasively in a clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were prelabeled with clinically approved superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Cell viability and eNOS expression were not affected by the labelling procedure. Magnetically labelled cells were delivered onto the lumen of a PTFE tubular graft by a customised electromagnet. The endothelium was detected in a 1,5T MRI scanner. Magnetic cell delivery provides an efficient technique to seed tubular scaffolds enabling the non-invasive depiction of the cells from the substrate, thus providing a reliable tool to assess the quality of cell delivery procedures.

Biomedical aspects of magnetic nanoparticles

Though all the components of the body are either dia-, para, superparaor ferromagnetic, the magnetic fields required which are likely to produce obvious effects on the body are very large. Even red blood cells with micrograms each of the iron protein haemoglobin are relatively unreactive to large fields or steep field gradients. However, there is sufficient iron present for MRI to be possible without adding iron-rich or other contrast enhancing reagepts. Indeed many cell types contain magnetite or other iron oxide nanoparticles-it is not clear whether these are generated by some standard biochemical process or are adventitious particles acquired from the environment. The other natural iron-containing compounds in the body are haemosiderin, ferritin, transferrin and the cytochromes. The question of whether there are hazards or effects from magnetic fields of the magnitudes normally encountered in the environment even in the 'built' environment acting on these molecules is unlikely though unresolved. But the electromagnetic fields produced by mobile phones may perhaps be large enough to have pathological effects (see Cranfield et al. 2003 for a suggestion as to mechanism). However the most likely exposures to large fields or field gradients arises from therapy or diagnosis. MRI produces images of both hard and soft organs and this is useful in diagnosis and in following the course of therapy. MRI contrast reagents are often used and there are a number ofpotential compounds for infusion or injection. Basically there are three ways in which a contrast reagent may act. It may not enter or attach to cells and simply act as an indicator of fluid-filled space eg the knee capsule. It may attach to the outside of cells or lastly it may be taken into the cells. Closely related to these biological differences are the routes by which the agent reaches the target area. A wider and wider range of effective contrast agents continue to be developed and perhaps noteworthy amongst these are dendrimer based agents to help image the lymph system (Kobayashi et al. 2003), putrescineGd-amyloid beta peptides for Alzheimer plaque detection (Poduslo et al. 2003). . There are advantages in using strongly magnetic nanoparticle contrast reagents, at least in theory, because there is a possibility that the particles can be localised in the desired region by applying local magnetic field gradients. There is also the possibility of producing localised hyperthermia when an organ loaded with nanoparticles is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. There are, however, potential ifnot real hazards with the use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles which are discussed below. The localizability of the particles by applying external small fields is ofapparent value in other types oftherapy, for instance drug delivery or hyperthermia. It has been usual to suppose that the route or delivery would be by injection either through a vascular route or by localised injection into a tissue. After injection the particles would either remain un-attached to cells and drift around the bodyfluids.