Publication

Journal	Nanomedicine
Volume (Issue)	11
Page(s)	783 - 796
Title of proceedings	Nanomedicine
DOI	10.2217/nnm.16.22

Background. While carbon-encapsulated iron carbide nanoparticles exhibit strong magnetic properties appealing for biomedical applications, potential side effects of such materials remain comparatively poorly understood. We assess the effects of iron-based nanoparticles in an in vivo long-term study in mice with observation windows between one week and one year. Materials & Methods. Functionalized (PEG or IgG) carbon-encapsulated platinum-spiked iron carbide nanoparticles were injected intravenously in mice (single or repeated dose administration). Results. One week after administration, magnetic nanoparticles were predominantly localized in organs of the reticuloendothelial system (RES), particularly the lung and liver. After one year, particles were still present in these organs, however, without any evident tissue alterations, such as inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis or carcinogenesis. Importantly, RES organs presented with normal function. Conclusion. This long-term exposure study shows that in vivo compatibility of intravenously applied carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles is high and suggests continuing investigations on such materials for biomedical applications. (Ref: Abstract from published article in Nanomedicine)