Nanoparticle-Based Paramagnetic Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Published in: Contrast media and molecular imaging Vol. 2019; no. 2019; pp. 1 - 13
• Main Authors: Pellico, Juan, Davis, Jason J., Ellis, Connor M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Publishing Corporation 01.01.2019; Hindawi; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Animals; Biocompatibility; Biomedical materials; Chemistry; Contrast agents; Contrast Media - chemistry; Contrast Media - standards; Control stability; Gadolinium; Gadolinium oxide; Humans; Hydration; Image contrast; Lanthanoid Series Elements; Magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - trends; Medical imaging; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nanoparticles - standards; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Organic chemistry; Photodynamic therapy; Quantum dots; Resonance; Review; Soft tissues; Toxicity
• ISSN: 1555-4309; 1555-4317; 1555-4317
• DOI: 10.1155/2019/1845637

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging modality that is routinely used in clinics, providing anatomical information with micron resolution, soft tissue contrast, and deep penetration. Exogenous contrast agents increase image contrast by shortening longitudinal (T1) and transversal (T2) relaxation times. Most of the T1 agents used in clinical MRI are based on paramagnetic lanthanide complexes (largely Gd-based). In moving to translatable formats of reduced toxicity, greater chemical stability, longer circulation times, higher contrast, more controlled functionalisation and additional imaging modalities, considerable effort has been applied to the development of nanoparticles bearing paramagnetic ions. This review summarises the most relevant examples in the synthesis and biomedical applications of paramagnetic nanoparticles as contrast agents for MRI and multimodal imaging. It includes the most recent developments in the field of production of agents with high relaxivities, which are key for effective contrast enhancement, exemplified through clinically relevant examples.