Hybrid nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging of target-specific viral gene delivery

The synthesis of virus-magnet hybrid nanoparticles that possessed the capabilities of targeted infection, MR imaging, and gene expression, and their successful utilization have been demonstrated. The CAR expression levels of two different cells such as U251N and CHO-1 cells were examined by the application of fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses. U251N cells showed a distinct spectral shift to a higher fluorescence isothocyanate fluorescence axis from the control cells indicating a high level of CAR expression. The CHO-1 cells has shown only a marginal shift from the control, which indicated relatively lower levels of CAR expression. Results showed that U251N cells had numerous endosomes that contained MnMEIO hybrid nanoparticles that were located primarily in the cytoplasm. Other endosomes that contained adenovirus MnMEIO hybrid nanoparticles were also observed near the cell surface that probably underwent endocytosis processes.