title: Cubosomes as Carriers for MRI Contrast Agents.
abstract: Cubosomes are self-assembled nanostructures that often form on dispersion of polar lipids in aqueous environments. The nanoparticles are analogous to liposomes but contain a complex internal self-assembled structure providing a point of difference to relatively simple liposomes. They exhibit a range of attractive properties such as having a high surface area, being able to incorporate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules and controlled release. Consequently cubosomes are of increasing interest in fields such as drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging, in particular as a carrier for magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. Over the last decade the incorporation of various contrast agents into the cubic mesophases has demonstrated improved relaxivity and resolution, as well as addressing other limitations of commercially available agents by increasing circulation time, stability and targeting. This minireview provides a brief overview of what cubosomes are, how they can be made, how they are characterised and also summarise the findings from the studies that have used cubosomes to develop better contrast agents for MRI, as well as highlight some potential for future developments.
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Alcaraz
authors.affiliation: Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash University (Parkville Campus), 381 Royal Pde, Parkville VIC 3052. Australia.
authors.forename: Ben J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Boyd
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D050866:Liquid Crystals / Q000737:chemistry; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D044367:Phase Transition
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D008055:Lipids
keywords: Cubosomes; MRI; contrast agent; cubic phase; lipid.; liquid crystalline; relaxivity