Magnetic Resonance Imaging Property of Doxorubicin-Loaded Gadolinium/13X Zeolite/Folic Acid Nanocomposite

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using nanostructures has been a proper method for tumor targeting purposes. Different MRI nanomaterials, targeting agents and anticancer drugs have been used for targeting of tumors. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to consider the MRI property of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded gadolinium/13X zeolite/folic acid (Gd(3+)/13X/FA) nanocomposite. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, Gd(3+)/13X/FA/DOX nanocomposite was prepared and the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and MTT assay were conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite. MRI was performed at 25°C using a 1.5 T clinical system to determine the T1 relaxation times and subsequently, the T1 relaxivity. RESULTS: The size of the nanocomposite was in the range of 80-200 nm. The nanocomposite without DOX loading (Gd(3+)/13X/FA) showed compatibility for A549 cells for all concentrations while DOX-loaded nanocomposite was toxic for 62% of the cells at the concentration of 0.4 mg/ml. The T1 relaxivity of Gd(3+)/13X/FA/DOX nanocomposite was 4.0401 mM(-1)s(-1). CONCLUSION: Gd(3+)/13X/FA/DOX nanocomposite shows a T1 relaxivity similar to the conventional gadolinium chelates, and a successful DOX loading.