Activatable Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Scavenge Reactive Oxygen Species in Macrophages and Endothelial Cells

This study centers around diagnostic medicine, and severity staging of inflammatory diseases. Previously, we showed that complexation of PEG and Poly(gallol) on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles turn OFF the MRI contrasting ability of the nanoparticle. However, in the presence of reactive oxygen species, the contrast agent will turn ON. In this article, for the first time, we provide evidence that our MRI contrast agent is sensitive to physiologically relevant ROS and induces antioxidant activity on immune and endothelial cells. This study provides initial evidence of IPC-SPIOs cellular ROS sensitivity and potential activatable properties in biological conditions.