Bimodal magnetic resonance and fluorescent imaging using chitosan coated iron oxide-graphene quantum dot nanocomposite and investigation of the loading of 5-fluorouracil in cell culture

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Multimodal imaging is a method that uses two or more imaging modalities to synergize the benefits of individual methods. By combining MRI and fluorescence imaging as dual method can produce highly sensitive images from any depth of tissue. Nano contrast agents provide possibility of dual modality imaging and have potential for anticancer drugs loading. Therefore, development of these nanomaterials is necessary. Methods: In this study, chitosan-coated iron oxide/graphene quantum dot (MGC) nanocomposite was prepared and charactherized by the analysis tests to determine its size, structural and magnetic properties, and toxicity. MRI of the nanocomposite samples was carried out at different concentrations and r2 relaxivity was calculated. Fluorescent measurements of the nanocomposite was performed by fluorescence spectroscopy. The potential of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) loading in the nanocomposite was investigated. Results:The size of the nanoparticles was measured 20 nm and they showed superparamagnetic property. The r2 value of MGC nanocomposite was calculated 727.9 mM−1 s−1. Also, MGC showed the highest stable fluorescence intensity at 492 nm emission wavelength. MTT results demonstreted biocompatibility of MGC and high toxicity effect against the A549 cancer cells by MGC-FU. The drug loading capacity was 90%. Conclusion: The designed nanocomposite has potential to use as a contrast material for dual modal MRI and fluorescent imaging and acts as a nanoplatform for loading of 5-FU. Keywords: Nanocomposite, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Fluorescent Imaging, Dual Modality Imaging, 5 _ Fluorouracil