Macrophages mediated diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis using fibrin based magnetic nanoparticles as MRI contrast agents

A variety of bioimaging tools assists in the diagnosis and evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other osteoarthritis. However, detection of RA in the early stages by targeting its macrophages with suitable contrast agents will help in arresting the progression of the disease. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of using magnetic fibrin nanoparticles (MFNPs) conjugated with folic acid (FA-MFNPs) as a specific contrast agent to target the activated macrophages, which overexpress the folate receptors (FR) in the knee joints of rats with antigen-induced arthritis (AIA). FA-MFNPs were spherical with an average size of 18.3±1.6nm. In vitro studies have shown effective internalization of FA-MFNPs into the Raw264.7 macrophage cells. In vivo studies were carried out by injecting FA-MFNPs intravenously into the arthritic rats. The results showed enhanced MR imaging in the synovium of arthritic joints. Prussian blue histological staining confirmed uptake of FA-MFNPs by macrophages in the synovial tissue. The animal experiment results indicate that FA-MFNPs can be used as a specific MRI contrast agent in identifying phagocytic active macrophages in the synovial joints. Blood is the precursor source for synthesising the fibrin-based iron oxide (magnetic) nanoparticles (MFNPs) with diameters between 12 and 15nm. It has excellent superparamagnetic behaviour, biocompatibility, osteogenic potency, hemocompatibility, and biodegradable properties. MFNPs-based nanocomposites might be a promising contrast agent for bioimaging. [Display omitted] •Folic acid conjugated magnetic fibrin nanoparticles (FA-MFNPs) with average size of 18.3±1.6nm were prepared.•Cytotoxicity and intracellular studies of FA-MFNPs were investigated using Raw264.7 macrophage cells.•FA-MFNPs administered intravenously into the arthritis rats showed enhanced MR imaging in the synovium of arthritic joints, and the uptake was confirmed by Prussian blue histological staining.•Results obtained suggest the promising use of FA-MFNPs for bioimaging.