Magnetic Nanoparticles for Early Detection of Cancer by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

This article provides a brief overview of recent progress in the synthesis and functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles and their applications in the early detection of malignant tumors by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The intrinsic low sensitivity of MRI necessitates the use of large quantities of exogenous contrast agents in many imaging studies. Magnetic nanoparticles have recently emerged as highly efficient MRI contrast agents because these nanometer-scale materials can carry high payloads while maintaining the ability to move through physiological systems. Superparamagnetic ferrite nanoparticles (such as iron oxide) provide excellent negative contrast enhancement. Recent refinement of synthetic methodologies has led to ferrite nanoparticles with narrow size distributions and high crystallinity. Target-specific tumor imaging becomes possible through functionalization of ferrite nanoparticles with targeting agents to allow for site-specific accumulation. Nanoparticulate contrast agents capable of positive contrast enhancement have recently been developed in order to overcome the drawbacks of negative contrast enhancement afforded by ferrite nanoparticles. These newly developed magnetic nanoparticles have the potential to enable physicians to diagnose cancer at the earliest stage possible and thus can have an enormous impact on more effective cancer treatment.

Enabling non-invasive assessment of an engineered endothelium on ePTFE vascular grafts without increasing oxidative stress

“…Surface engineering of SPIONs with several biomaterials, such as Silicon dioxide (SiO 2 )[20], poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG),[35] dextran, chitosan and gelatin, has been used to stabilize nanoparticles, improve particle biocompatibility and/or allow a targeted delivery with particle localization to a specific area. [4] When used as a coating material for SPIONs, chitosan has been shown by others to enhance long-term retention of particles in cells, [36] a phenomenon also observed by us.…”

Poly(acrylic acid) Bridged Gadolinium Metal–Organic Framework–Gold Nanoparticle Composites as Contrast Agents for Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Bimodal Imaging

“…27 CT, one of the most common and cost-effective imaging techniques available clinically, gives high-resolution 3D tomography information anatomically but has limited soft tissue resolution because of the similar electron density. 28 Whereas, non-invasive MRI exhibits high spatial resolution, unlimited penetration depth and provides excellent contrast for soft tissues; 29 however, it still suffers from somewhat low sensitivity. 30 Therefore, the combination of CT and MRI can deliver more accurate and comprehensive diagnostic information by combining the specific advantages of each technique.…”

Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Long-Chain Isonicotinic Ester Ligand-Containing Arene Ruthenium Complexes and Nanoparticles

“…Nanoparticles are finding increasing application in medicinal chemistry being used as drug delivery agents, photodynamic therapy, luminescent imaging agents and magnetic imaging agents. In particular, the selective accumulation of nanoparticles in tumour tissue through the enhanced permeability and retention effect, and tunable physical and chemical properties, are attractive properties for such applications [19][20][21][22]. The ''enhanced permeability and retention'' (EPR) effect is a phenomenon in which macromolecules are able to accumulate at the tumour site due to the dramatic increase in blood vessel permeability within diseased tissues compared to normal tissues [23].…”