Gd-doped Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles as a New MRI Contrast Agent: Analysis of Properties and Biocompatibility

The results of a study of a new nanocomposite material based on gadolinium-doped cerium oxide functionalized with folic acid as a promising material for a new MRI contrast agent are presented. As part of this work, a comprehensive analysis of their characteristics, colloidal stability, and MRI response and a comprehensive analysis of its cytotoxicity on a U251 human glioblastoma cell culture in vitro are carried out. It is shown that this nanocomposite produces a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on human glioblastoma cells, causing the development of intracellular oxidative stress and subsequent initiation of apoptosis. Such a nanocomposite is promising for the development of a new theranostic agent based on it, which has both MRI-contrasting properties and a pronounced redox activity, which ensures its cytotoxic effect and therapeutic activity in the cell.