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Multifunctional Core–Shell Silica Nanoparticles for Highly Sensitive 19 F Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Author(s) -
Matsushita Hisashi,
Mizukami Shin,
Sugihara Fuminori,
Nakanishi Yosuke,
Yoshioka Yoshichika,
Kikuchi Kazuya
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201308500
Subject(s) - nanoparticle , biocompatibility , magnetic resonance imaging , micelle , materials science , molecular imaging , nanotechnology , core (optical fiber) , solubility , surface modification , nuclear magnetic resonance , magnetic nanoparticles , shell (structure) , in vivo , biophysics , chemistry , aqueous solution , organic chemistry , physics , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , metallurgy , composite material , radiology
19 F magnetic resonance imaging ( 19 F MRI) is useful for monitoring particular signals from biological samples, cells, and target tissues, because background signals are missing in animal bodies. Therefore, highly sensitive 19 F MRI contrast agents are in great demand for their practical applications. However, we have faced the following challenges: 1) increasing the number of fluorine atoms decreases the solubility of the molecular probes, and 2) the restriction of the molecular mobility attenuates the 19 F MRI signals. Herein, we developed novel multifunctional core–shell nanoparticles to solve these issues. They are composed of a core micelle filled with liquid perfluorocarbon and a robust silica shell. These core–shell nanoparticles have superior properties such as high sensitivity, modifiability of the surface, biocompatibility, and sufficient in vivo stability. By the adequate surface modifications, gene expression in living cells and tumor tissue in living mice were successfully detected by 19 F MRI.