Novel Ferrocenyl Nitroxide Nanoparticles as Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Oximetry Probes In Vitro and In Vivo

Abstract

Aims: In this article we report our recent developments in the field of electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry. Materials & methods: Novel synthesized ferrocenyl nitroxide radicals (FcN)-1–6 were evaluated to determine their electron paramagnetic resonance oxygen responsiveness and reduction resistance. The 3-ferrocenyl-N-(oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) butanamide radical (FcN-6), with outstanding electron paramagnetic resonance oxygen sensitivity, was encapsulated in Pluronic F-127 polymeric nanoparticles. Results: The nanoparticles exhibited good oxygen sensitivity, long-term stability of responsiveness, targeting to lung, liver and tumor, and low toxicity. Conclusion: These features make this novel nanoparticle especially valuable for mapping O₂ concentrations in the body and monitoring the oxygen level inside tissues.

Keywords::

• EPR oximetry
• ferrocenyl nitroxide radicals
• in vitro
• in vivo
• nanoparticles
• Pluronic F-127

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by the EU Framework Programme 6 Integrated Project Novel and Improved Nanomaterials, Chemistries and Apparatus for Nano-biotechnology (NACBO) (contract No. NMP4-CT-2004-500804), the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People‘s Republic of China (contract No.0424 and No.2010DFA44300) and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM) (contract No. 10dz2220500). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained appropriate institutional review board approval or have followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations. In addition, for investigations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the EU Framework Programme 6 Integrated Project Novel and Improved Nanomaterials, Chemistries and Apparatus for Nano-biotechnology (NACBO) (contract No. NMP4-CT-2004-500804), the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People‘s Republic of China (contract No.0424 and No.2010DFA44300) and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM) (contract No. 10dz2220500). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.