An update on clinical applications of magnetic nanoparticles for increasing the resolution of magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Today, technologies based on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are regularly applied to biological systems with diagnostic or therapeutic aims. Nanoparticles made of the elements iron (Fe), gadolinium (Gd) or manganese (Mn) are generally used in many diagnostic applications performed under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Similar to molecular-based contrast agents, nanoparticles can be used to increase the resolution of imaging while offering well biocompatibility, poisonousness and biodistribution. Application of MNPs enhanced MRI sensitivity due to the accumulation of iron in the liver caused by discriminating action of the hepatobiliary system. The aim of this study is about the use, properties and advantages of MNPs in MRI.

Keywords:

• Diagnostic applications
• gadolinium
• magnetic nanoparticles
• magnetic resonance imaging

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Science of Tabriz University for all the supports provided.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests. This work is funded by 2015 Drug Applied Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Grant.