Targeted delivery of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles.
Magnetic nanoparticles and their magnetofluorescent analogues have become important tools for in vivo imaging using magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescent optical methods. A number of monodisperse magnetic nanoparticle preparations have been developed over the last decade for angiogenesis imaging, cancer staging, tracking of immune cells (monocyte/macrophage, T cells) and for molecular and cellular targeting. Phage display and data mining have enabled the procurement of novel tissue- or receptor-specific peptides, while high-throughput screening of diversity-oriented synthesis libraries has identified small molecules that permit or prevent uptake by specific cell types. Next-generation magnetic nanoparticles are expected to be truly multifunctional, incorporating therapeutic functionalities and further enhancing an already diverse repertoire of capabilities.
McCarthy
Jason R
JR
Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th St, Rm 5406, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA. jason_mccarthy@hms.harvard.edu
Kelly
Kimberly A
KA
Sun
Eric Y
EY
Weissleder
Ralph
R
D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008280:Magnetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000639:trends*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D003287:Contrast Media