Monodisperse Magnetite Nanoparticles Coupled with Nuclear Localization Signal Peptide for Cell‐Nucleus Targeting

Abstract

Functionalization of monodisperse superparamagnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles for cell specific targeting is crucial for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Targeted magnetic nanoparticles can be used to enhance the tissue contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to improve the efficiency in anticancer drug delivery, and to eliminate tumor cells by magnetic fluid hyperthermia. Herein we report the nucleus‐targeting Fe3O4 nanoparticles functionalized with protein and nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide. These NLS‐coated nanoparticles were introduced into the HeLa cell cytoplasm and nucleus, where the particles were monodispersed and non‐aggregated. The success of labeling was examined and identified by fluorescence microscopy and MRI. The work demonstrates that monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles can be readily functionalized and stabilized for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Feb 29, 2008
Source ID
10.1002/asia.200700301

Entities

People

  • Chenjie Xu
  • Edward G. Walsh
  • Jin Xie
  • Nathan Kohler
  • Shouheng Sun
  • Y. Eugene Chin

Organizations

  • Brown University
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust
  • Ittleson Foundation
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Office of Naval Research

Tags

Readers

  • Medical Imaging.
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Oncology (Cancer Research).

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Cancer Biotech