Nanoceramics intercalated with Gd-DTPA for potential imaging of systems in VIVO

Nano-sized ceramic particles, such as layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been developed to preserve and deliver drugs or genes in the body. In this report, we describe a new ceramic contrast reagent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It has been developed by intercalation of the chelate diethylenetriamine-N, N, N', N", N"-pentaacetate (DTPA) complexed with Gd³⁺ (Gd-DTPA). Its characteristic electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum shows a slow tumbling, space-limited environment in the LDH matrix. Gd-DTPA LDH is designed to track the route of an intercalated drug and to be applied as a new nanoceramic contrast reagent for MRI in order to detect any image tumors and their dendrites. According to XRD, SEM and TEM, the nanohybrid crystal structure and morphology possess typical, two-dimensional metal ion layering. Elemental analysis (CHN and ICP) shows a stable Gd-DTPA complex in the interlayers of LDH. This idea has the potential to extend the use of nanoceramics for gene or drug delivery.