Gas-filled microbubbles have the potential to become a unique intravascular MR contrast agent due to their magnetic susceptibility effect, biocompatibility, and localized manipulation via ultrasound cavitation. However, microbubble susceptibility effect is relatively weak when compared with other intravascular MR susceptibility contrast agents. In this study, enhancement of microbubble suscepti...

Dextran-coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have widespread biomedical applications. The superparamagnetic behavior, specifically regulated size, and smooth morphology are crucial requirements for essentially all of these applications. Presented herein is an innovative double-coating strategy that would allow for a size-controlled synthesis of MNPs. Small monocrystalline iron oxide na...

In the present study, the permeability of 11 different iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP) samples (eight fluids and three powders) was determined using an in vitro blood-brain barrier model. Importantly, the results showed that the ferrofluid formulations were statistically more permeable than the IONP powder formulations at the blood-brain barrier, suggesting a role for the presently studied in si...

Despite advances in controlled drug delivery, drug delivery systems (DDSs) with controlled activated drug release and high spatial and temporal resolution are still required. Theranostic nanomedicine is capable of diagnosis, therapy, and monitoring the delivery and distribution of drug molecules and has received growing interest. In this study, a near-infrared light-controlled "off-on" DDS with...

Magnetotactic bacteria synthesize highly uniform intracellular magnetite nanoparticles through the action of several key biomineralization proteins. These proteins are present in a unique lipid-bound organelle (the magnetosome) that functions as a nanosized reactor in which the particle is formed. A master regulator protein of nanoparticle formation, magnetosome membrane specific F (MmsF), was ...

The present study describes a systematic approach towards the design and development of novel, bio-functionalized, magneto-fluorescent nanoparticles for cancer-specific targeting. Biocompatible, hydrophilic, magneto-fluorescent nanoparticles with surface-pendant amine, carboxyl or aldehyde groups, to be later used for bio-conjugation, were designed using an aminophosphonic acid coupling agent. ...

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION), as magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agents or magnetic targeting carriers, have potential applications in diagnostics, imaging, cell and drug/ gene delivery for cardiovascular diseases. SPION are highly magnetic particles that cause magnetic field perturbations, which can be identified on T2* weighted images [1]. Clinically, SPION allo...

The iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) are widely used in biomedicine for good biocompatibility. To promote its safe application, any potential nanotoxicity should be thoroughly and carefully investigated. This paper systematically summarizes our lab’s research on the nanotoxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), including the effects of FeNPs on viability, ...