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Advances in magnetic nanoparticle-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents

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Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized medical imaging diagnostics with the advantages of non-invasive nature, absence of ionizing radiation, unrestricted penetration depth, high-resolution imaging of soft tissues, organs and blood vessels, and multi-parameter and multi-sequence imaging. Contrast agents (CAs) are crucial for enhancing image quality, detecting molecular-level changes, and providing comprehensive diagnostic information in contrast enhanced MRI. However, the performance of clinical Gd-based CAs represents a limitation to the improvement of MRI sensitivity, specificity, and versatility, thereby impeding the achievement of satisfactory imaging outcomes. In recent years, the development of magnetic nanoparticle-based CAs has emerged as a promising avenue to enhance the capabilities of MRI. Here, we review the advances in magnetic nanoparticle-based MRI CAs, including blood pool CAs, biochemically-targeted CAs, stimulus-responsive CAs, and ultra-high field MRI CAs, as well as the use of CAs for cell labeling and tracking. Additionally, we offer insights into the future prospects and challenges associated with the integration of these nanoparticles into clinical practice.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (Nos. 2021YFA1201401 and 2021YFA1201402), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 82202306, 82150301, 82072063, and 31901003), the Guangdong Natural Science Foundation (No. 2023A1515012508), and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Nos. 2022M723700 and 2023T160776).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710127, China

    Huan Zhang & Hai Ming Fan

  2. Department of Radiology, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China

    Huan Zhang

  3. Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, China

    Xiao Li Liu & Hai Ming Fan

  4. Institute of Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049, China

    Xiao Li Liu

  5. National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061, China

    Xiao Li Liu

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  1. Huan Zhang
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Correspondence to Hai Ming Fan.

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This work is dedicated to my mentor, Prof. Sishen Xie, an esteemed academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences. His pioneering work in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology, along with his significant contributions to promoting the development of nanomedicine in China, have left a lasting impact on the scientific community. Professor Xie’s dedication and scientific spirit have served as an inspiration for many young scientists, motivating them to pursue their research with passion and excellence. By honoring his legacy, we will continue to advance the frontiers of nanoscience in the medical field and strive to make remarkable contributions that will ultimately benefit human health.

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Zhang, H., Liu, X.L. & Fan, H.M. Advances in magnetic nanoparticle-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. Nano Res. 16, 12531–12542 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-023-6214-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-023-6214-9

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