title: Self-confirming "AND" logic nanoparticles for fault-free MRI.
abstract: Achieving high accuracy in the imaging of biological targets is a challenging issue. For MRI, to enhance imaging accuracy, two different imaging modes with specific contrast agents are used; one is a T1 type for a "positive" MRI signal and the other is a T2 type for a "negative" signal. Conventional contrast agents respond only in a single imaging mode and frequently encounter ambiguities in the MR images. Here, we propose a "magnetically decoupled" core-shell design concept to develop a dual mode nanoparticle contrast agent (DMCA). This DMCA not only possesses superior MR contrast effects but also has the unique capability of displaying "AND" logic signals in both the T1 and T2 modes. The latter enables self-confirmation of images and leads to greater diagnostic accuracy. A variety of novel DMCAs are possible, and the use of DMCAs can potentially bring the accuracy of MR imaging of diseases to a higher level.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea.
authors.forename: Jin-Sil
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Jae-Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Tae-Hyun
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Ho-Taek
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Eung Yeop
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jinwoo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cheon
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D007287:Inorganic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry; D008128:Logic; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D007287:Inorganic Chemicals