Synthesis and characterization of gadolinium nanostructured materials with potential applications in magnetic resonance imaging, neutron-capture therapy and targeted drug delivery

Two Gadolinium nanostructured materials, Gd 2 (OH) 5 NO 3 nanoparticles and Gd(OH) 3 nanorods, were synthesized and extensively characterized by various techniques. In addition to the potential use of Gd 2 (OH) 5 NO 3 in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Neutron-capture therapy (NCT) application, it could also be used in targeted drug delivery. An antibiotic (nalidixic acid), two amino acids (aspartic and glutamic acid), a fatty acid and a surfactant (SDS) were intercalated in the nanoparticles. The surface of the nanoparticles was modified with folic acid in order to be capable of targeted delivery to folate receptor expressing sites, such as tumor human cells.