title: Synthesis and characterization of silica-embedded iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging.
abstract: In this communication, a conceptually new approach to the delivery of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents is presented. Our experiments demonstrate the feasibility of using silica-embedded iron oxide nanoparticles as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging, where a reduction in signal intensity (increased contrast) in the T2-weighted images is observed. The surface of these particles can be chemically modified by attachment of polyethylene glycol molecules, which are found to reduce nonspecific protein binding. The design of the nanoparticle is universal and flexible and allows for facile addition or interchange of its active components (i.e., MRI contrast agents and targeting moiety) with photodynamic dyes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1055, USA.
authors.forename: Fei
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Hao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Anker
authors.forename: Raoul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kopelman
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Alnawaz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rehemtulla
authors.forename: Ram
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Reddy
mesh_terms: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003460:Crystallization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003287:Contrast Media; D005290:Ferric Compounds; C000499:ferric oxide; D012822:Silicon Dioxide