Superoxide-responsive MRI contrast agent for inflammation detection and drug delivery

Inflammatory diseases contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, yet inflammation remains elusive to MRI, highlighting the potential of a dual-function system that detects inflammation and releases therapeutic drugs in a single, efficient platform. We developed IPC- SPIOs, iron oxide nanoparticle-based contrast agents that activate upon superoxide exposure, enhancing MRI contrast. In vitro MRI studies showed that activated IPC-SPIOs generate higher contrast than uncoated IONPs. Additionally, curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound, was encapsulated within IPC-SPIOs for targeted delivery. Encapsulation efficiency reached 20-50%, with 24% drug loading at optimal conditions. Superoxide presence may enhance curcumin release, which will be tested for its impact on inflammatory cytokine reduction in macrophages and monocytes.