Magnetic resonance imaging and doxorubicin loading properties of folic acid coated gadolinium/13X zeolite nanocomposite

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) nanosystems have been attracted much attention for tumor targeting purposes. The aim of the present in vitro study was consideration of the MRI properties and doxorubicin (DOX) loading of folic acid coated gadolinium/13X zeolite (Gd3+/13X/FA/DOX) nanocomposite. Materials and Methods: Gd3+/13X/FA/DOX nanocomposite was synthesized. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and MTT assay were conducted to evaluate the properties of the nanocomposite. MRI was performed at 25°C using a 1.5T clinical system to determine the T1 relaxation times and subsequently, the T1 relaxivity. Results: The size of the nanocomposite was 80-200 nm. The nanocomposite without DOX loading (Gd3+/13X/FA) showed nontoxic effect on A549 cancer cells for all concentration while DOX-loaded nanocomposite was toxic for 62% of the cells. The T1 relaxivity of Gd3+/13X/FA/DOX nanocomposite was calculated 4.0401 mM-1s-1. Conclusion: Gd3+/13X/FA/DOX nanocomposite showed a T1 relaxivity similar to the conventional gadolinium chelates, and the ability of DOX loading.