Synthesis and cellular uptake of superparamagnetic dextran-nanoparticles with porphyrinic motifs grafted by esterification

Abstract : This paper describes new superparamagnetic nanoparticles bearing dextran-grafted porphyrins with effective cellular uptake properties. They average 110 nm in diameter and are composed of a 5 nm iron oxide core coated with protoporphyrin grafted dextrans. These particles show good magnetic properties, are avidly incorporated into cultured cancer cell lines, and thus present a great potential for cellular imaging and photodynamic therapy applications.