title: Paramagnetic inorganic nanoparticles as T1 MRI contrast agents.
abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most powerful molecular imaging techniques and can noninvasively visualize and quantify biological processes within the living organisms. The introduction of exogenous contrast agents has allowed specific visualization of biological targets as well as enhanced the sensitivity of MRI. Recently, paramagnetic inorganic nanoparticles showing positive T(1) contrast effect have been investigated as T(1) MRI contrast agents. Since the first trials of spherical nanoparticles of manganese oxide and gadolinium oxide, inorganic nanoparticles of various compositions and shapes have been used for in vivo and in vitro MRI because of their distinct signal enhancement in MR images. However, for clinical applications, important and complex issues such as safety and efficiency should be investigated by active research encompassing multiple disciplines, including chemistry, biology, biomedical engineering, and medicine.
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Korea; School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Soo Hong
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Byung Hyo
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Hyon Bin
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Na
authors.forename: Taeghwan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hyeon
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D008345:Manganese; D051379:Mice
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D008345:Manganese; D005682:Gadolinium; D007501:Iron