Biological investigation of a citrate-coated cobalt-ferrite-based magnetic fluid

The present study reports on several in vivo biological tests carried out with a cobalt-ferrite, citrate-coated, magnetic fluid sample developed for biomedical purposes. Systematic biological investigation was performed after endovenous injection in mice. Morphological analysis showed magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) infiltration in the parenchyma or vessels of all investigated organs. Nevertheless, at the investigated dose and period of treatment, no cell damage or inflammatory processes were observed. Cytometry alterations and genotoxic effects were not observed. Although precipitation of MNPs in tissues may be taken as undesirable, the absence of morphological alterations is very promising. The data show that the investigated sample is biocompatible and useful for biomedical applications. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.