Water soluble fluorescent-magnetic perylenediimide-containing maghemite-nanoparticles for bimodal MRI/OI imaging

The protein shell of apoferritin-encapsulated maghemite nanoparticles was functionalized with two different red-emitting perylenediimide fluorophores (PDI). One glycosacharide-PDI complex has been synthesized for the first time to be labeled to apoferritin-encapsulated maghemite nanoparticles. Bifunctionality of maghemite@perylenediimide was demonstrated by both magnetic-core and fluorescent-labeled shell properties. SQUID measurements confirmed superparamagnetic behavior above 35 K. Fluorescence of perylenediimides is retained once attached to the magnetic nanoparticle. Moreover, fluorescence microscopy showed that one of these fluorescent-magnetic nanoparticles was specifically internalized in bifidobacteria without affecting cell viability. These results revealed that the dual-modal imaging probes of maghemite@perylenediimide nanoparticles have the potential to be used as optical/MR dual imaging agents.

Graphical abstractApoferritin-encapsulated maghemite nanoparticles were functionalized with red-emitting perylenediimide fluorophores. One of these nanoparticles was internalized in bifidobacteria without affecting cell viability. These results revealed that the water soluble bifunctional maghemite@perylenediimide nanoparticles have the potential to be used as optical/MR dual imaging agents.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide