Biocompatible magnetic gelatin nanoparticles with enhanced MRI contrast performance prepared by single-step desolvation method

Abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles are versatile materials that have boosted the development of different biomedical applications, being superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles a milestone in the field, after achieving clinical approval as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (Feridex®), magnetic hyperthermia agents for oncological treatments (NanoTherm®), or iron deficiency supplement (Feraheme®). However, its potential as theragnostic agent could be further expanded by its encapsulation within a biodegradable hydrogel, capable of enhancing the biocompatibility and loading abilities, to simultaneously carry drugs, radiotracers, or biomolecules. Gelatin, is a natural biopolymer with optimal in vivo feature and gelling capacity that has been extensively used for decades in pharmaceuticals. In this work, we have addressed the preparation of gelatin nanoparticles, bare and loaded with magnetite nanoparticles, with controlled size to be used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. The main formulation parameters influencing the preparation of gelatin nanoparticles with controlled size by single-step desolvation method, were studied and optimized, to produce small gelatin nanoparticles (97nm) and highly loaded (38% w/w) Fe3O4@citrate gelatin nanoparticles (150 nm) with high magnetic response (65emus/g). The viability assays of the magnetic gelatin nanoparticles, tested with mesenchymal stem cells, showed negligible toxicity and in vitro magnetic resonance imaging tests, performed in agar phantoms, revealed a good contrast for T2 weighting MRI, r2 = 265.5(mM−1 s−1), superior to commercial products, such as Resovist or Endorem.

Polymer/iron oxide nanocomposites as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents: Polymer modulation and probe property control

“…The gelatin is densely packed with carboxylates and amine groups on its Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) sequence that facilitate grafting of different targeting ligands 88 . These physicochemical properties render gelatin an ideal polymer for preparation of MRI CAs 89 . After in situ injection of gelatin‐encapsulated SPIONs, tumor sites had a significant attenuation of the T 2 MR signal 90…”

“…88 These physicochemical properties render gelatin an ideal polymer for preparation of MRI CAs. 89 After in situ injection of gelatin-encapsulated SPIONs, tumor sites had a significant attenuation of the T 2 MR signal. 90 F I G U R E 2 (A) Structural formulae of surface polymers on the commercial SPIONs CAs: Feridex I.V.…”

miRacle of microRNA-Driven Cancer Nanotherapeutics

“…Gelatin is another protein that has been utilized to generate colloidal drugs or gene nanodelivery systems for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. It is a natural biopolymer obtained from acid or alkaline hydrolysis of animal collagen [ 104 , 105 ], and it also has highly biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-immunogenic features. There are several studies on gelatin-based sustained- and controlled-release delivery systems for miRNA therapeutics.…”

Agro-Waste Sweet Pepper Extract-Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Antioxidant Enrichment and Sustainable Nanopackaging

“…The synthesis of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles through green methods holds particular importance due to their versatile phase, size control, and functional properties [ 32 ]. These nanoparticles find applications in drug delivery, hyperthermia treatment, and environmental remediation, showcasing their significance in both biomedical and environmental fields [ 19 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. As nanotechnology advances, the emphasis on green synthesis approaches for nanomaterials, especially magnetic iron oxides, reflects a commitment to sustainable and responsible scientific practices, contributing to the development of innovative and eco-friendly materials [ 36 ].…”