Glucosamine Conjugated Gadolinium (III) Oxide Nanoparticles as a Novel Targeted Contrast Agent for Cancer Diagnosis in MRI

BACKGROUND: Glucose transporter (Glut), a cellular transmembrane receptor, has a key role in the metabolism of cell glucose and is also associated with various human carcinomas. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agent for tumor detection based on paramagnetic gadolinium oxide (Gd(2)O(3)) coated polycyclodextrin (PCD) and modified with glucose (Gd(2)O(3)@PCD-Glu) for the targeting of overexpressed glucose receptors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner was used to assess the specific interactions between Glut1-overexpressing tumor cells (MDA-MB-231) and Gd(2)O(3)@PCD-Glu NPs. Furthermore, the capacity of transporting Gd(2)O(3)@PCD-Glu NPs to tumor cells was evaluated. RESULTS: It was found that the acquired MRI T(1) signal intensity of MDA-MB-231 cells that were treated with the Gd(2)O(3)@PCD-Glu NPs increased significantly. Based on the results obtained, Gd(2)O(3)@PCD-Glu NPs can be applied in targeting Glut1-overexpressing tumor cells in vivo, as well as an MRI-targeted tumor agent to enhance tumor diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Results have shown that glucose-shell of magnetic nanoparticles has a key role in diagnosing cancer cells of high metabolic activity.