Paclitaxel-induced formation of 3D nanocrystal superlattices within injectable protein-based hybrid nanoparticles.

Self-assembly of monodisperse superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals into a close-packed, three-dimensional (3D) superlattice is designed within cross-linked protein-based nanoparticles composed of human serum albumin and polyethylene glycol. The prepared nanoparticles are very stable in serum and exhibit a high T-2 relaxivity as well as anti-cancer activity, indicating the practical benefits of ordering nanocrystals.