Multifunctional dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles for dual mode CT/MR imaging applications

Multifunctional dendrimer-based nanoparticles for in vivo MR/CT dual-modal molecular imaging of breast cancer

“…Our previous studies 3,[23][24][25] have shown that the generation 5 (G5) PAMAM dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles (Au DENPs) can be used as blood pool CT contrast agents or targeted cancer-specific CT agents. In a very recent study, 26 we have shown that Gd-loaded Au DENPs (Gd-Au DENPs) prepared using the facile dendrimer chemistry enable MR/CT dual-mode imaging of the heart, liver, kidney, and bladder of rat or mouse within a time frame of 45 minutes. Our prior successes lead us to hypothesize that the synthesized multifunctional Gd-Au DENPs may also be used for dualmode MR/CT imaging of tumors.…”

A review of molecular imaging of atherosclerosis and the potential application of dendrimer in imaging of plaque

“…The potential toxicity of dendrimers can also be reduced by changing the types of central core or modified with anionic, neutral, and ligand molecules. 17,25,79,91 In addition, dendrimers can be labeled with a variety of imaging "beacons" and such combination of dendrimers and beacons can be used as hybrid contrast agent probe, which lengthens circulation clearance and prolongs retention in blood pool but can be cleared away from major organs in short time in different imaging methods. 25,79,90,92 More importantly, multiple surface functional groups of dendrimers can be labeled with multisignal elements, targeting molecules and therapeutic agents.…”

“…17,25,79,91 In addition, dendrimers can be labeled with a variety of imaging "beacons" and such combination of dendrimers and beacons can be used as hybrid contrast agent probe, which lengthens circulation clearance and prolongs retention in blood pool but can be cleared away from major organs in short time in different imaging methods. 25,79,90,92 More importantly, multiple surface functional groups of dendrimers can be labeled with multisignal elements, targeting molecules and therapeutic agents. 92,93 Therefore, dendrimers can provide a wide range of space and binding sites for functional molecules and elements, which enables them to have more abilities and advantages for targeted molecular imaging than other nanoparticles.…”

“…The new contrast agents possessed water solubility with stable colloid properties and were noncytotoxic within the given concentration range, which enabled efficient dual-modal CT/MRI of some major organs of rats and mice. 25 Li et al 103 utilized the multifunctional dendrimer-based nanoparticles to image the breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by dual-modal CT/MR and proved effectiveness of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, Chen et al 104 prepared FA-modified multifunctional Au DENPs loaded with Gd for target imaging of tumors by dual mode CT/MR and found that the probes showed both CT and MR enhancements in contrast with nontargeted Gd-Au DENPs.…”

“…Their unique well-defined three-dimensional architecture, composition, and abundant terminal functional groups make them potential carriers for imaging agents and drugs ( Figure 1). 25 For imaging, dendrimers can be modified by two or more molecules or imaging agents and have been applied for targeted imaging of many diseases such as cancer for many years. 26 For example, some researchers have been studying dendrimers labeled with gold (Au) or gadolinium (Gd) in imaging of AS plaques using CT or magnetic resonance (MR), which would allow researchers or surgeons to locate nidi accurately and therefore treat the diseases efficiently.…”