Highly Cross-Linked and Biocompatible Polyphosphazene-Coated
Superparamagnetic Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> Nanoparticles for Magnetic
Resonance Imaging
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Abstract
Highly
cross-linked and biocompatible poly(cyclotriphosphazene-<i>co</i>-4,4′-sulfonyldiphenol) (PZS) were used to directly
coat hydrophilic superparamagnetic Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles
by a facile but effective one-pot polycondensation. The obtained core–shell
Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@PZS nanohybrids were characterized by
transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy
(SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction spectra.
Interesting, the size and T<sub>2</sub> relaxivity of Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@PZS increased with increasing the mass ratio of Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> to PZS. All these nanohybrids could be internalized
by HeLa cells but show negligible cytotoxicity. The PZS layer slowly
degraded into less dangerous forms such as 4,4′-sulfonyldiphenol,
phosphate and ammonia at neutral or acid atmosphere. Considering their
excellent water dispersibility, colloidal and chemical stability,
magnetic manipulation, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) properties,
Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@PZS nanohybrids have great potential in
MRI diagnosis of cancer