Hofmeister Effect-Based T₁–T₂ Dual-Mode MRI and Enhanced Synergistic Therapy of Tumor

Abstract

The imaging resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is influenced by many factors. The development of more effective MRI contrast agents (CAs) is significant for early tumor detection and radical treatment, albeit challenging. In this work, the Hofmeister effect of Fe2O3 nanoparticles within the tumor microenvironment was confirmed for the first time. Based on this discovery, we designed a nanocomposite (FePN) by loading Fe2O3 nanoparticles on black phosphorus nanosheets. After reacting with glutathione, the FePN will undergo two stages in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in the robust enhancement of r 1 and r 2 based on the Hofmeister effect in the commonly used magnetic field (3.0 T). The glutathione-activated MRI signal of FePN was higher than most of the activatable MRI CAs, enabling a more robust visualization of tumors. Furthermore, benefiting from the long circulation time of FePN in the blood and retention time in tumors, the synergistic therapy of FePN exhibited an outstanding inhibition toward tumors. The FePN with good biosafety and biocompatibility will not only pave a new way for designing a common magnetic field-tailored T 1 –T 2 dual-mode MRI CA but also offer a novel pattern for the accurate clinical diagnosis and therapy of tumors.

Hofmeister Effects Shine in Nanoscience

“…Using Hofmeister effects to design stimuli-responsive materials for physiological environments is a very useful and important strategy. Zhao designed functional Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles responsive to Hofmeister effects in the tumor microenvironment as a [116] Copyright 2019, American Chemical Society.…”

“…Hofmeister Effects-Based T 1 -T 2 Dual-Mode MRI. Reproduced with permission [116]. Copyright 2019, American Chemical Society.…”

High-Performance T1–T2 Dual-Modal MRI Contrast Agents through Interface Engineering

“…5 Nanoparticle clustering and assembling also regulate the relaxivities to create a T 1 −T 2 dual-mode contrast agent. 51 Among these studies, very little effort has been made to maximize r 1 by tuning the interfaces of core−shell NPs. In our study, we succeeded in maximizing both r 1 and r 2 while keeping r 2 /r 1 at a quite low value through accurate interface regulation.…”

Imine-Linked Covalent Organic Framework Modulates Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a class of one-electron reduction products of oxygen such as superoxide radicals (O 2 · – ), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), and hydroxyl radicals (·OH). , Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) are two antioxidant enzymes capable of, respectively, converting ROS to water and oxygen. − Due to their high catalytic activity, specificity, and little side effects, SOD and CAT are being utilized as treatments to many diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, spinal cord injury, tumors, neuropathic pain, etc. For in vivo applications, carriers are always needed to protect and transport SOD and CAT to specific locations , because of their instability and nonspecific distribution.…”

“…Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a class of one-electron reduction products of oxygen such as superoxide radicals (O 2 • − ), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), and hydroxyl radicals (• OH). 9,10 Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) are two antioxidant enzymes capable of, respectively, converting ROS to water and oxygen. being utilized as treatments to many diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, 14 spinal cord injury, 15 tumors, 16 neuropathic pain, 17 etc.…”