"Magnus nano-bullets" as T₁/T₂ based dual-modal for in vitro and in vivo MRI visualization

Tissue specific T₁/T₂ dual contrast abilities for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have great significance in initial detection of cancer lesions. Herein, we developed a novel kind of Magnus nano-bullets (Mn-DTPA-F-MSNs) distinguished by magnetic (Fe₃O₄-NPs) head combined with mesoporous (SiO₂) persist body, respectively. Subsequently, modify mesoporous SiO₂ group and finally loaded with Mn²⁺. These Magnus nano-bullets have relaxivity value (r₁ = 5.12 mM^-1 s^-1) and relaxivity value (r₂ = 265.32 mM^-1 s^-1); they were > 2 folds in comparison to control at 3.0 T. Meanwhile, Magnus nano-bullets also offered significant enhancements for the detection of Glutathione (GSH), a biomarker that has been showed a redox responsive T₁-weighted MRI effect in vitro and in vivo evaluations with good biocompatibility. Therefore, our finding endorses that Magnus nano-bullets offer a "smart" and tremendous strategy for greater GSH responsive T₁/T₂ dual MRI image probes for future biomedical applications.