Fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles for cell labeling: flux synthesis of manganite particles and novel functionalization of silica shell.

Novel synthetic approaches for the development of multimodal imaging agents with high chemical stability are demonstrated. The magnetic cores are based on La0.63Sr0.37MnO3 manganite prepared as individual grains using a flux method followed by additional thermal treatment in a protective silica shell allowing to enhance their magnetic properties. The cores are then isolated and covered de novo with a hybrid silica layer formed through the hydrolysis and polycondensation of tetraethoxysilane and a fluorescent silane synthesized from rhodamine, piperazine spacer, and 3-iodopropyltrimethoxysilane. The aminoalkyltrialkoxysilanes are strictly avoided and the resulting particles are hydrolytically stable and do not release dye. The high colloidal stability of the material and the long durability of the fluorescence are reinforced by an additional silica layer on the surface of the particles. Structural and magnetic studies of the products using XRD, TEM, and SQUID magnetometry confirm the importance of the thermal treatment and demonstrate that no mechanical treatment is required for the flux-synthesized manganite. Detailed cell viability tests show negligible or very low toxicity at concentrations at which excellent labeling is achieved. Predominant localization of nanoparticles in lysosomes is confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. Relaxometric and biological studies suggest that the functionalized nanoparticles are suitable for imaging applications.