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Roxanne Hachani

University College London

During the course of my PhD project at UCL, we developed and optimized the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) coated with 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid (DHCA). During my stay at KU Leuven,  we determined the suitability of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized as potential MRI contrast agents and hyperthermia agents. We were able to demonstrate their efficient uptake by hMSCs within 24 h by TEM and iron-specific Prussian Blue staining, and quantify that up to several hundreds of g of Fe per cell could be taken up by a colorimetric method. This is essential to ensure sufficient contrast by MRI and sufficient heating by MRI. Finally, an important aspect to consider is their toxic effects on cells. Conventional colorimetric MTT and MTS assays were initially used to assess this; but these proved flawed as we observed interference from the IONPs. Within the MoSAIC laboratory in KU Leuven, we were able to test the impact of the IONPs on several factors such as cell viability, mitochondrial activity and actin cytoskeleton network by validated multiparametric high-content imaging analysis. No considerable toxic effects were noticed, although a slight rounding of the cells could be observed. Furthermore, at 10 and 50 µg Fe/ml, an increase in ROS production was observed but could not be correlated to impaired mitochondria and was limited to these two IONP concentrations. Also, we were able to confirm their cellular uptake by in vitro MRI relaxivity measurements of hMSC phantoms at 9.4 T. Finally, their potential as MRI contrast agents was confirmed in vivo. IONP-DHCA were administered in female Swiss model mice and could be visualized for up to two weeks post injecton, thus confirming their potential as T2 weighted MRI contrast agents. 

Publication(s) originating from this mission