Iron oxide nanoparticles are extensively studied for their use in medical applications due to their unique magnetic properties. However, one of the major concerns with the use of inorganic nanoparticles is their potential biotoxicity. Inorganic nanoparticles have a slow clearance kinetics that can pose a potential threat to their in vivo application. The clearance of nanoparticles from the body largely depends on the surface physicochemical properties rather than their size and shape.
In a recent study published on May 13, 2024, in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology, researchers have successfully designed and utilized small molecule ligands with dual phosphonate ester groups at one end and different end groups (i.e., anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic) to coat ultra-small Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The researchers studied the renal clearance behavior of surface ligand-regulated ultra-small nanoparticles.
The systematic studies showed that ultra-small Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with these surface ligands not only had a small-enough hydrodynamic size to be cleared by the kidneys but also exhibited excellent T1/T2 MRI contrast-enhancing capabilities.
Combining bladder MRI with urine Fe content measured by ICP-OES, researchers found that zwitterionic ligand-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@DMSA) showed an excellent renal clearance rate due to their reduced uptake by the RES. Using a hydrophilic ligand with a diphosphate anchoring group allowed the successful labeling of Fe3O4@DMSA with 99mTc, thus achieving efficient renal-clearable MRI/SPECT dual-modal imaging nanoprobes.
The surface ligand regulated iron oxide nanoparticles offer the potential for medical applications with improved safety profiles. The unique properties of these ultra-small nanoparticles with dual-phosphonate esters and different end groups provide excellent stability, great biocompatibility, and low toxicity. The advanced clearance kinetics of these nanoparticles in the renal system make them an attractive option for the dynamic imaging of the renal system. Additionally, the excellent MRI/SPECT dual-modal imaging capability makes them useful in diagnosing different renal disease states.
In conclusion, the surface ligand regulated iron oxide nanoparticles offer the potential for exciting advancements in various medical applications. The use of such nanoparticles can offer safer alternatives in medical imaging and treatment. The future of surface ligand-based ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles looks promising in the field of biomedicine, and further research may lead to a wide range of other applications.
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