Fe3O4@Ag Nanoprobe for Detection of Ovarian Cancer Cell Line Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background and Aims: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an essential role in molecular imaging by delivering the contrast agent into targeted cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of magnetic nanoparticles containing iron oxide and silver (Fe3O4@Ag core-shell nanoprobe) as a contrast agent for the detection of ovarian cancer cell line ovcar-3. Materials and Methods: Co-precipitation method was used for synthesis of Fe3O4Ag nanoprobe which was then characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). To evaluate the ability of this nanoprobe in detection of the ovcar-3 cell line by MRI, the cells were exposed to different (5 to 50 &micro;g/mL) concentrations of Fe3O4@Ag nanoprobe before contrast intensity calculation by MRI.&nbsp; Results: SEM images revealed that Fe3O4@Ag nanoparticles are spherical, about 100 nm. FTIR showed strong absorbance picks belonging to the stretching vibration of Ag and Fe-O. It was found that contrast intensity of Fe3O4@Ag nanoprobe decreases as concentration decreases. Statistical analysis revealed significant difference in concentrations of 30, 40 and 50 &mu;g/mL, compared to control (p<0.05). In the presence of Ovcar-3 cells, higher concentrations (10, 20, and 30 &mu;g/mL) of nanoparticles also significantly increased contrast intensity in comparison with control (p<0.05). Conclusions: This novel magnetic nanoparticle can be used as an effective contrast agent for improving MRI in detection of ovarian cancer cells. The sensitivity of this contrast agent may be improved by binding to targeting molecules such as antibody and aptamer.