Abstract
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)โcoated iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by the thermal decomposition of Fe(CO)~5~ (iron pentacarbonyl) in one step. Xโray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Xโray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) together with the variation of the molar ratio of PVP/Fe(CO)~5~, solvent, and molecular weight of PVP, were used to characterize the PVPโcoated iron oxide nanoparticles. Fifty to hundred nanometerโsized iron oxide nanoclusters with a spherical shape were formed in dimethylformamide (DMF), used as a solvent, and exhibited an enhanced stability in the aqueous media. Their magnetic properties were investigated by superconducting quantum interface device (SQUID). The in vitro cytotoxicity test revealed that the PVPโcoated iron oxide nanoparticles exhibited excellent biocompatibility by MTT assay. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effect was observed with the administration of PVPโcoated iron oxide nanoparticles through the marginal vein of rabbit, resulting in improved detection of the liver lesions. ยฉ 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006