New paper in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

01 12 2025

Check out our new paper in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, co-authored by Dr. Piotr Piotrowski and Prof. Grzegorz Litwinienko in collaboration with Dr. Jacek Grębowski from the University of Lodz (Poland).

A new biocompatible amino-Gd-metallofullerenol (Amino-Gd-FulOH) nanoplatform as a potential MRI contrast agent and its effect on macrophages
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 2025, 193, 118842, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118842

Amino-Gd-FulOH is a gadolinium-based metallofullerenol that combines low cytotoxicity with strong imaging performance, making it a promising candidate for theranostic use. The nanomaterial displays stable aqueous dispersion, a positive surface charge, and highly efficient macrophage uptake. In vitro studies show that it preserves essential macrophage functions, including adhesion and migration, and does not activate immune responses. While cytocompatible at low doses, higher concentrations induce dose-dependent apoptosis and selective modulation of the focal-adhesion protein vinculin, without affecting key cytoskeletal regulators such as RhoA, Rock2, or Pak1. MRI analysis reveals that Amino-Gd-FulOH produces strong T1 shortening and significantly enhances signal intensity, demonstrating apparent relaxivity superior to the clinical agent Dotarem. Its combination of biocompatibility, controllable cellular effects, and high imaging efficiency highlights its potential as a safe, multifunctional nanoplatform for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

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