Self-confirming "AND" logic nanoparticles for fault-free MRI.
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.
Choi
Jin-Sil
JS
Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea.
Lee
Jae-Hyun
JH
Shin
Tae-Hyun
TH
Song
Ho-Taek
HT
Kim
Eung Yeop
EY
Cheon
Jinwoo
J
D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D007287:Inorganic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry; D008128:Logic; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry
D003287:Contrast Media; D007287:Inorganic Chemicals