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Development of manganese-based nanoparticles as contrast probes for magnetic resonance imaging
1Department of Chemistry and Bio-Imaging Research Center (BIRC), University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.
Abstract:
MRI is one of the most important imaging tools in clinics. It interrogates nuclei of atoms in a living subject, providing detailed delineation with high spatial and temporal resolutions. To compensate the innate low sensitivity, MRI contrast probes were developed and widely used. These are typically paramagnetic or superparamagnetic materials, functioning by reducing relaxation times of nearby protons. Previously, gadolinium(Gd)-based T(1) contrast probes were dominantly used. However, it was found recently that their uses are occasionally associated with nephrogenic system fibrosis (NSF), which suggests a need of finding alternatives. Among the efforts, manganese-containing nanoparticles have attracted much attention. By careful engineering, manganese nanoparticles with comparable r(1) relaxivities can be yielded. Moreover, other functionalities, be a targeting motif, a therapeutic agent or a second imaging component, can be loaded onto these nanoparticles, resulting in multifunctional nanoplatforms.
Insights
Manganese nanoparticles offer a promising alternative to gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents, potentially reducing risks like nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. These engineered nanoparticles provide comparable imaging performance and allow for multifunctional applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a crucial clinical diagnostic tool, but its low sensitivity necessitates contrast agents.
- Gadolinium (Gd)-based T1 contrast agents have been widely used but are linked to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF).
- There is a clinical need for safer and effective MRI contrast agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore manganese-containing nanoparticles as alternative MRI contrast agents.
- To evaluate the potential of manganese nanoparticles for multifunctional nanoplatforms.
Main Methods:
- Development and characterization of manganese-containing nanoparticles.
- Assessment of their relaxivity (r1) properties for MRI contrast enhancement.
- Exploration of incorporating additional functionalities onto the nanoparticle platform.
Main Results:
- Engineered manganese nanoparticles achieve comparable r1 relaxivities to existing contrast agents.
- Manganese nanoparticles can be functionalized with targeting motifs, therapeutic agents, or other imaging modalities.
- These nanoparticles show potential for creating multifunctional nanoplatforms.
Conclusions:
- Manganese nanoparticles represent a viable and potentially safer alternative to gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents.
- The inherent design of manganese nanoparticles allows for the development of versatile, multifunctional imaging and therapeutic platforms.
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