pH Responsive Polymer Coated Iron Nanoparticle for Long Accumulation in the Tumor Tissue by Nanoparticle Aggregation

Abstract

Iron nanoparticles have been employed to the MRI imaging and hyperthermia therapy, but their usages still remain a challenge due to its short blood circulation period at the site of cancers. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a "pH response Iron nanoparticle system" which changes it size as a result of pH stimuli. pH response polymer was coated to the iron nanoparticle surface. This polymer was protonated at the tumoral pH (6~6.5). Protonated polymer endow the partial plus charge to the iron nanoparticle. This phenomenon induced the iron nanoparticle aggregation by the electrostatic interaction. This phase transition triggers sustained cellular accumulation of Iron nanoparticles. This system will increase the cancer stem cell diagnosis and therapy.