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Research Article

Tripod USPIONs with high aspect ratio show enhanced T2 relaxation and cytocompatibility

    Pradeep P Wyss

    Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Strasse 31, 79104 Freiburg, Germany

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    ,
    Surya Lamichhane

    Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Strasse 31, 79104 Freiburg, Germany

    BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany

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    ,
    Martin Rauber

    Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Strasse 31, 79104 Freiburg, Germany

    Institute for Life Science, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Gründenstrasse 40, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland

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    ,
    Ralf Thomann

    Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Strasse 31, 79104 Freiburg, Germany

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    ,
    Karl W Krämer

    Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland

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    &
    V Prasad Shastri

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: prasad.shastri@gmail.com

    Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Strasse 31, 79104 Freiburg, Germany

    BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany

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    Published Online:17 Mar 2016https://doi.org/10.2217/nnm.16.8

    Abstract

    Aim: We synthesized ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) with tripod morphology and studied the effect of the aspect ratio (AR) of the tripod arms on mass magnetization, T2 relaxation and cytocompatibility in human cell lines. Materials & methods: Tripods were prepared by controlling the temperature during the thermal decomposition of Fe(CO)5, and their magnetic properties were characterized by superconducting quantum interference device, and NMR. Citric acid stabilized USPIONs were used to assess cytocompatibility. Results: T2 relaxivity of tripods showed dependency on AR of the tripod arm. Liver enzyme levels in presence of tripods were comparable to spherical USPIONs, and surprisingly tripods induced lower levels of reactive oxygen species. Conclusion: Tripod USPIONs with high AR arms possess excellent magnetic properties and cytocompatibility for further exploration as MRI contrast agents.

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