Fluorescence Modified Chitosan-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for High-Efficient Cellular Imaging

• Main Authors: Nie Fang, Teng Gaojun, Ge Yuqing, Zhang Yu, He Shiying, Gu Ning
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2009-01-01
• Series: Nanoscale Research Letters
• Subjects: Magnetic nanoparticle; Fluorescence; Chitosan; Magnetic resonance imaging
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11671-008-9239-9

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Labeling of cells with nanoparticles for living detection is of interest to various biomedical applications. In this study, novel fluorescent/magnetic nanoparticles were prepared and used in high-efficient cellular imaging. The nanoparticles coated with the modified chitosan possessed a magnetic oxide core and a covalently attached fluorescent dye. We evaluated the feasibility and efficiency in labeling cancer cells (SMMC-7721) with the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles exhibited a high affinity to cells, which was demonstrated by flow cytometry and magnetic resonance imaging. The results showed that cell-labeling efficiency of the nanoparticles was dependent on the incubation time and nanoparticles&#8217; concentration. The minimum detected number of labeled cells was around 10⁴by using a clinical 1.5-T MRI imager. Fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy instruments were used to monitor the localization patterns of the magnetic nanoparticles in cells. These new magneto-fluorescent nanoagents have demonstrated the potential for future medical use.</p>