title: Silica-based nanoparticles: a versatile tool for the development of efficient imaging agents.
abstract: This review describes the recent advances in the development of imaging agents based on silica nanoparticles. Different techniques (magnetic resonance imaging, optical imaging, positron emission tomography, X-ray computed tomography, and ultrasound imaging) are described as well as the possibility of combining together different imaging techniques in the same nanoplatform and simultaneously performing imaging and therapy.
authors.affiliation: Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, S.S. 554 bivio per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy. ccaltagirone@unica.it.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Caltagirone
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bettoschi
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garau
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Montis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003287:Contrast Media; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D051379:Mice; D053758:Nanoparticles; D011817:Rabbits; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D012822:Silicon Dioxide