Abstract

Iron (II, III) oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles modified with folic acid were synthetized and effectively mediated into the tumor cells through the binding of folate and folic acid receptor. This study made us know the method of synthesis of folic acid-modified Fe₃O₄ nano-magnetic fluid and elucidate in vivo labeling effect of folic acid-modified Fe₃O₄ nano-magnetic fluid on the hepatoma cells in tumor-bearing rats. Results showed that folic acid-modified Fe₃O₄ nano-magnetic fluid could target and enter the hepatoma cells, enhancing the signal contrast of tumor tissue and surrounding normal tissue in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It was in favor of the tumor cells labeling, tracing and MRI target detection.

Key words: Nanoparticles, folic acid, tumor, synthesis, labeling.