Affiliation:
1. Department of Chemistry and the Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
Abstract
Technical advances in nanotechnology are creating novel classes of MRI contrast-enhancing agents. These nanomaterials offer much higher relaxivities than most current clinical contrast agents, which translates into greater MRI contrast enhancement. These nanoscale agents also have the potential to revolutionize in vivo applications of contrast-enhanced MRI since they offer the multiple advantages of low toxicities, extremely high relaxivities and cell internalization capabilities. In this review, we discuss three types of such contrast agents currently in use or under development for medical imaging: small particles of iron oxide, fullerenes encapsulating Gd3+ ions (gadofullerenes) and single-walled carbon nanotube nanocapsules encapsulating Gd3+ ion clusters (gadonanotubes). The latest developments and projected future applications of these nanotechnology-inspired contrast agents in the field of medical imaging are also discussed.
Subject
Drug Discovery,Pharmacology,Molecular Medicine
Cited by
67 articles.
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