By magnetorelaxometry, immobilized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONS) may be detected with extreme sensitivity creating a powerful tool for detecting and locating diseased cells bound to antibody labeled SPIONS. Success of the technique is dependent on the availability of monodisperse and colloidally stable nanoparticles. The most successful method for generating SPIONS with controlled size and minimal heterogeneity employs the thermal decomposition of iron precursors in the presence of oleic acid. To create water dispersible nanoparticles the oleic acid coating is exchanged for the biocompatible polymer poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). Amine endgroups may be incorporated into the polymer by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of the PVP providing a common chemistry for biomolecule conjugation. We demonstrate antibody conjugation to PVP coated SPIONS without significant aggregation establishing a design suitable for in vivo studies. The methods presented here should aid in the current development of magnetorelaxometry for early disease detection.

Water dispersible and colloidally stable superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical detection

244th National Meeting (2012)

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