Serine-derivatized gadonanotubes as magnetic nanoprobes for intracellular labeling

Contrast Media Mol Imaging. 2010 Jan-Feb;5(1):34-8. doi: 10.1002/cmmi.293.

Abstract

Gadonanotubes (GNTs), which are powerful new T(1)-weighted MRI contrast agents, were derivatized with serine amino acid substituents to produce water-soluble (2 mg ml(-1)) ser-gadonanotubes (ser-GNs) as magnetic nanoprobes for intracellular labeling. The ser-GNTs were used to efficiently label MCF-7 human breast cancer cells (1.5 x 10(9) Gd(3+) ions/cell) with no observable cytotoxicity. Cell pellets derived from the ser-GNT labeled cells give bright T(1)-weighted MR images, confirming that the ser-GNTs are a promising new nanoprobe technology for magnetic cell labeling and possibly for in vivo cellular trafficking.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Shape
  • Female
  • Gadolinium / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Space / metabolism*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetics*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Molecular Imaging / methods
  • Molecular Probes / metabolism*
  • Nanotubes / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes / ultrastructure
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Serine / metabolism*
  • Staining and Labeling / methods*

Substances

  • Molecular Probes
  • Serine
  • Gadolinium