In vitro MRI of biodegradable hybrid (iron oxide/polycaprolactone) magnetic nanoparticles prepared via modified double emulsion evaporation mechanism.

Hybrid magnetic particles are being applied in biomedical field for various aims. One of such aim is use of magnetic particles for diagnostic purposes especially in imaging mechanisms. In vitro magnetic resonance imaging of biodegradable hybrid (iron oxide/polycaprolactone) magnetic nanoparticles is carried out. Hybrid magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by encapsulation of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in polycaprolactone (PCL) via modified double emulsion evaporation technique. Both the IONPs and hybrid nanoparticles were characterized for their sizes, zeta potential, microscopic, thermogravimetric, and magnetism. Prepared particles were investigated for T1 and T2 weighted enhancement of contrast in vitro in water. A comparison of the prepared particles was done with commercially available Gadolinium for the contrast efficiency in MRI. Results showed the prepared particles exhibited nanosize range, good morphology and superparamagnetic character. The enhancement in the MRI contrast of the prepared particles was observed and found to depend on type of the prepared particles. Comparison of the MRI contrast of the prepared particles with the commercial Gadolinium suggests their usefulness as T2 contrast agent.