Fe3O4@DPA-PEG-PSMA-1

Fe3O4@DPA-PEG-PSMA-1 is a nanoparticle-based diagnostic imaging agent designed for the detection of prostate cancer via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It consists of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) functionalized with a PSMA-targeting Glu-Urea-Lys scaffold, linked via a DPA-PEG (dopamine-polyethylene glycol) spacer. The probe targets the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), also known as glutamate carboxypeptidase 2, which is highly overexpressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells. Upon binding to PSMA, the iron oxide core provides significant negative T2 contrast, enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of MRI detection. Developed by researchers at the Guangdong University of Technology and Paris Descartes University, this compound has demonstrated high binding affinity and specificity in preclinical xenograft models, showing potential as a targeted tracer for the molecular imaging of prostate cancer.

Other names

Fe3O4@DPA-PEG-PSMAPSMA-targeted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles