| dc.description.abstract | Abstract
Background: The use of theranostic is a new way to achieve imaging and molecular therapy for cancer. The theranostic agent consists of two important parts, including creator section of image contrast and therapeutic part. Using a suitable nanocarrier such as dendrimers can provide a proper environment for imaging and therapeutic agents. This study aimed to design nanoparticles which not only create contrast in the two modes of magnetic resonance imaging and CT scan, but also allows the treatment of cancer cells in a targeted manner due to the presence of methotrexate.
Methods: In this study, nanoparticles were synthesized and characterization analyzes were performed to investigate the size, structural properties, bonds and magnetic properties. The toxicity of the synthesized nanoparticles with and without drug at different doses was investigated. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT scan of nanoparticles were performed at various concentrations and the contrast property of nanoparticles as well as the toxicity of designed nanoparticles in cellular environment were evaluated. Results: The results of this research illustrated that the size of the synthesized nanoparticles in the TEM image is estimated at 25 nm and in the DLS findings at 95 nm. In UV-Visible analysis, iron and gold peaks were formed at 273 and 504, respectively. In the FTIR results, the flexural and tensile bands in different parts were visible. In XRD results, gold peaks were observed at 38 and 44 angles and iron oxide peaks at 32, 35, 43, 53 and 57. According to VSM findings, it was proved that the synthesized nanoparticles have magnetic properties and by analyzing MRI images, the value of r_2 was equal to 〖mM〗^(-1).s^(-1) 162/27. The CT number at the highest concentration was 185.4, which indicates an eminently suitable contrast in the CT imaging. Examination of toxicity and imaging properties in cellular conditions showed that the use of drug-carrying nanoparticles increases the image contrast in both imaging modalities. Furthermore, using the drug in this combination, led to an increase in the effect of the drug on positive-folate cells. Conclusion: These results revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles have the ability to create image contrast and increase the effect of the drug in a targeted manner. Therefore, these nanoparticles can be used as a theranostic agent.
Keywords: Theranostic, Magnetic resonance imaging, Computed tomography imaging, Dendrimer, Dual modulity imaging | en_US |
