Magnetic resonance imaging of glioma with novel APTS-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

We report in vitro and in vivo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of C6 glioma cells with a novel acetylated 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTS)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs). In the present study, APTS-coated Fe3O4 NPs were formed via a one-step hydrothermal approach and then chemically modified with acetic anhydride to generate surface charge-neutralized NPs. Prussian blue staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data showed that acetylated APTS-coated Fe3O4 NPs can be taken up by cells. Combined morphological observation, cell viability, and flow cytometric analysis of the cell cycle indicated that the acetylated APTS-coated Fe3O4 NPs did not significantly affect cell morphology, viability, or cell cycle, indicating their good biocompatibility. Finally, the acetylated APTS-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used in magnetic resonance imaging of C6 glioma. Our results showed that the developed acetylated APTS-coated Fe3O4 NPs can be used as an effective labeling agent to detect C6 glioma cells in vitro and in vivo for MR imaging. The results from the present study indicate that the developed acetylated APTS-coated Fe3O4 NPs have a potential application in MR imaging.