Nanoparticles for biomedical imaging.
BACKGROUND
Synthetic nanoparticles are emerging as versatile tools in biomedical applications, particularly in the area of biomedical imaging. Nanoparticles 1 - 100 nm in diameter have dimensions comparable to biological functional units. Diverse surface chemistries, unique magnetic properties, tunable absorption and emission properties, and recent advances in the synthesis and engineering of various nanoparticles suggest their potential as probes for early detection of diseases such as cancer. Surface functionalization has expanded further the potential of nanoparticles as probes for molecular imaging.


OBJECTIVE
To summarize emerging research of nanoparticles for biomedical imaging with increased selectivity and reduced nonspecific uptake with increased spatial resolution containing stabilizers conjugated with targeting ligands.


METHODS
This review summarizes recent technological advances in the synthesis of various nanoparticle probes, and surveys methods to improve the targeting of nanoparticles for their application in biomedical imaging.


CONCLUSIONS
Structural design of nanomaterials for biomedical imaging continues to expand and diversify. Synthetic methods have aimed to control the size and surface characteristics of nanoparticles to control distribution, half-life and elimination. Although molecular imaging applications using nanoparticles are advancing into clinical applications, challenges such as storage stability and long-term toxicology should continue to be addressed.
Nune
Satish K
SK
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, PO Box 999, MSIN K6-81, Richland, WA 99352, USA. satish.nune@pnl.gov
Gunda
Padmaja
P
Thallapally
Praveen K
PK
Lin
Ying-Ying
YY
Forrest
M Laird
ML
Berkland
Cory J
CJ
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D009928:Organ Specificity; D013499:Surface Properties