[Application of T1-T2 dual-mode cobalt manganese oxide nanoparticle MRI contrast agent in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma].

PURPOSE: To develop an efficient and low-toxicity T1-T2 dual-mode magnetic resonance (MR) nano-contrast agent (cobalt manganese oxide @ hyaluronic acid, CMO@HA) as a safe and effective strategy for the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODS

CMO@HA was synthesized via a multi-step process and characterized for its morphology and composition using transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). MR imaging of CMO@HA suspensions at various concentrations was performed to acquire T1- and T2-weighted images and relaxation times. The longitudinal and transverse relaxivities were calculated using linear regression analysis. A xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate the in vivo tumor imaging performance of CMO@HA. Biocompatibility was assessed through CCK-8 cell viability assays, live-dead cell staining and HE staining of major organs.

RESULTS

CMO@HA was successfully synthesized with an average particle size of approximately 12 nm and a zeta potential of -16.6 mV. In MRI, CMO@HA solutions exhibited concentration-dependent T1-T2 dual-enhanced imaging characteristics, with longitudinal and transverse relaxivities of 1.005 (mmol/L)-1s-1 and 11.84 (mmol/L)-1s-1, respectively. In the xenograft mouse model, intratumoral injection of CMO@HA resulted in an enhancement of T1-weighted and T2-weighted signals at the tumor site by (46.98±14.51)% and (26.04±6.9)%, respectively. Biocompatibility assessments revealed that after co-incubation with 100 μg/mL CMO@HA, the cell viability remained at 98%, live-dead staining results showed no significant differences compared to the control group. During a 7-day observation period, CMO@HA-treated mice exhibited stable body weights comparable to the control group, and no pathological damage or liver and kidney dysfunction was observed in major organs.

CONCLUSIONS

CMO@HA is a nano-contrast agent with excellent T1-T2 dual-mode MR imaging enhancement capabilities and favorable biocompatibility. It significantly improves the imaging contrast between tumor and normal tissues, providing a viable imaging solution for early diagnosis of OSCC.