Synthesis and characterization of silica-embedded iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging.
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.
Yan
Fei
F
Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1055, USA.
Xu
Hao
H
Anker
Jeff
J
Kopelman
Raoul
R
Ross
Brian
B
Rehemtulla
Alnawaz
A
Reddy
Ram
R
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*
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003287:Contrast Media; D005290:Ferric Compounds; C000499:ferric oxide; D012822:Silicon Dioxide