Gadolinium - graphene oxide - alginate nanocomposite as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-ionic, non-invasive and high spatial resolution method, but low sensitivity is its limitations. Contrast materials are used to improve the contrast and hence interpret medical images more accurately. Gadolinium is the most widely used contrast agent in the diagnosis of a wide range of the abnormalities and diseases in MRI. On the other hand, due to the presence of oxygen functional groups in the structure of graphene oxide, there is a significant potential for the formation of various nanocomposites. Therefore, metallic nanoparticles like gadolinium can be stabilized on graphene oxide plates through oxygen-chemical groupswhich leads to the creation of a magnetic property in the gadolinium-graphene oxide nanocomposite. Purpose: Considering the advantages of each one of these materials, the aim of this study was investigation of the ability of gadolinium-graphene oxide nanocomposite with alginate coating as a contrast agent of MRI. Materials and Methods: Gadolinium-graphene oxide-alginate nanocomposite which had been synthesized at Tabriz university was prepared. The physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite were investigated using XRD, SEM and TEM, and its toxicity was evaluated by MTT method. The MR imaging was performed using a 1.5 Tesla clinical scanner. The T1 weight images were prepared for the different concentrations of the nanocomposite. The T1 graphs were plotted for each of the concentrations and the longitudinal relaxivity (r1) was calculated by plotting the relaxation rate graph for different concentrations of the nanocomposite. Results: the results showed the plate shape of the nanocomposite. The average sheet size and thickness of the nanocomposite were and 100 3nanometers, respectively. The nanocomposite showed cell viability even at the relatively high concentration of 75μg/ml. The r1 value of the nanocomposite was obtained 15.785 mM-1.s-1 . Conclusion: According to the results, gadolinium-graphene oxide-alginate nanocomposite has the potential to use as a positive MRI contrast agent Keywords: MRI, Nanocomposite, Gadolinium, Graphene Oxide, Alginat