Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoworms for Tumor Targeting and Imaging

The synthesis, in vitro, and in vivo behavior of tumor-homing magnetic nanoworms (NW) are described. The particles consist of a chainlike aggregation of iron oxide (IO) cores in a dextran coating. When conjugated with a tumor-targeting peptide, they interact more effectively with a tumor-based target in vitro relative to spherical nanoparticles. Untargeted NW display similar in vivo circulation times and enhanced passive accumulation in mouse xenograft tumors relative to untargeted spherical IO nanoparticles. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2089/2008/adma200800004_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.