title: Hybrid nanotrimers for dual T1 and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.
abstract: Development of multifunctional nanoparticle-based probes for dual T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could allow us to image and diagnose the tumors or other abnormalities in an exceptionally accurate and reliable manner. In this study, by fusing distinct nanocrystals via solid-state interfaces, we built hybrid heteronanostructures to combine both T1 and T2- weighted contrast agents together for MRI with high accuracy and reliability. The resultant hybrid heterotrimers showed high stability in physiological conditions and could induce both simultaneous positive and negative contrast enhancements in MR images. Small animal positron emission tomography imaging study revealed that the hybrid heterostructures displayed favorable biodistribution and were suitable for in vivo imaging. Their potential as dual contrast agents for T1 and T2-weighted MRI was further demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo imaging and relaxivity measurements.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology and Bio-X Program, School of Medicine, Stanford University , 1201 Welch Road, Lucas P095, Stanford, California 94305-5484, United States.
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Meng
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Ruiping
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Chunxia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Qin
authors.forename: Xinhui
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Zhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D049329:Nanostructures; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: T1/T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging; dumbbell structures; hybrid; nanotrimers; positron emission tomography