In vivomolecular imaging using nanomaterials: Generalin vivocharacteristics of nano-sized reagents and applications for cancer diagnosis (Review)
- 10 May 2010
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Molecular Membrane Biology
- Vol. 27 (7), 274-285
- https://doi.org/10.3109/09687688.2010.481640
Abstract
Nanoparticles present a new collection of contrast agents for the field of in vivo molecular imaging. This review focuses on promising molecular imaging probes for optical and magnetic resonance imaging based on four representative nanomaterial(s) platforms: quantum dots, upconversion phosphors, superparamagnetic iron oxides, and dendrimer-based agents. Quantum dots are extremely efficient fluorescent nanoparticles with size-tunable emission properties, enabling high sensitivity and greater depth penetration. Their heavy metal composition and long retention in the body, however, pose concerns for clinical translational applications. Upconversion phosphors generate excellent signal-to-background contrast because they emit light with higher energy than the excitation photons and autofluorescence signals. For MRI, iron oxide particles also generate excellent signal and have been used in liver imaging and for cell tracking studies. As they are metabolized through endogenous iron salvage pathways, they have already been introduced as clinical contrast agents. Lastly, dendrimers, a ‘soft’ nanoparticle, can be used as a structural basis for the attachment of small molecule imaging agents and/or targeting groups. This array of nanoparticles should offer insights into the uses and potentials of nanoparticles for the molecular imaging.Keywords
This publication has 62 references indexed in Scilit:
- In Vivo Real-Time, Multicolor, Quantum Dot Lymphatic ImagingJournal of Investigative Dermatology, 2009
- Design considerations for tumour-targeted nanoparticlesNature Nanotechnology, 2009
- State of Academic Knowledge on Toxicity and Biological Fate of Quantum DotsToxicological Sciences, 2009
- Cadmium-containing nanoparticles: Perspectives on pharmacology and toxicology of quantum dotsToxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 2009
- Nanoparticle interaction with plasma proteins as it relates to particle biodistribution, biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacyAdvanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2009
- Bioconjugated quantum dots for in vivo molecular and cellular imagingAdvanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2008
- Multimodal Nanoprobes for Radionuclide and Five-Color Near-Infrared Optical Lymphatic ImagingACS Nano, 2007
- Renal clearance of quantum dotsNature Biotechnology, 2007
- Real-time Imaging of Tumor-Cell Shedding and Trafficking in Lymphatic ChannelsCancer Research, 2007
- Are quantum dots ready for in vivo imaging in human subjects?Nanoscale Research Letters, 2007