Magnetic Resonance Imaging Property of Doxorubicin-Loaded Gadolinium/13X Zeolite/Folic Acid Nanocomposite

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using nanostructures has been a proper method for tumor targeting purposes. Different MRI nanomaterials, targeting agents and anticancer drugs have been used for targeting of tumors. Objectives This study aims to consider the MRI property of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded gadolinium/13X zeolite/folic acid (Gd3+/13X/FA) nanocomposite.Material and Methods In this in vitro study, Gd3+/13X/FA/DOX nanocomposite was prepared and the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and MTT assay were conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite. MRI was performed at 25°C using a 1.5 T clinical system to determine the T1 relaxation times and subsequently, the T1 relaxivity. Results The size of the nanocomposite was in the range of 80-200 nm. The nanocomposite without DOX loading (Gd3+/13X/FA) showed compatibility for A549 cells for all concentrations while DOX-loaded nanocomposite was toxic for 62% of the cells at the concentration of 0.4 mg/ml. The T1 relaxivity of Gd3+/13X/FA/DOX nanocomposite was 4.0401 mM-1s-1. Conclusion Gd3+/13X/FA/DOX nanocomposite shows a T1 relaxivity similar to the conventional gadolinium chelates, and a successful DOX loading.