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Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as T 1 Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Fundamentals, Challenges, Applications, and Prospectives
Author(s) -
Jeon Mike,
Halbert Mackenzie V.,
Stephen Zachary R.,
Zhang Miqin
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201906539
Subject(s) - contrast (vision) , iron oxide nanoparticles , magnetic resonance imaging , gadolinium , materials science , contrast enhancement , nanoparticle , nanotechnology , drug delivery , biomedical engineering , medical physics , computer science , medicine , radiology , artificial intelligence , metallurgy
Gadolinium‐based chelates are a mainstay of contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the clinic. However, their toxicity elicits severe side effects and the Food and Drug Administration has issued many warnings about their potential retention in patients’ bodies, which causes safety concerns. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are a potentially attractive alternative, because of their nontoxic and biodegradable nature. Studies in developing IONPs as T 1 contrast agents have generated promising results, but the complex, interrelated parameters influencing contrast enhancement make the development difficult, and IONPs suitable for T 1 contrast enhancement have yet to make their way to clinical use. Here, the fundamental principles of MRI contrast agents are discussed, and the current status of MRI contrast agents is reviewed with a focus on the advantages and limitations of current T 1 contrast agents and the potential of IONPs to serve as safe and improved alternative to gadolinium‐based chelates. The past advances and current challenges in developing IONPs as a T 1 contrast agent from a materials science perspective are presented, and how each of the key material properties and environment variables affects the performance of IONPs is assessed. Finally, some potential approaches to develop high‐performance and clinically relevant T 1 contrast agents are discussed.