New MRI contrast agents based on silicon nanotubes loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

ABSTRACT: This article describes the preparation and fundamental properties of a new possible material as a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent based on the incorporation of preformed iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanocrystals into hollow silicon nanotubes (Si NTs). Specifically, superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles of two different average sizes (5 nm and 8 nm) were loaded into Si NTs of two different shell thicknesses (40 nm and 70 nm). To achieve proper aqueous solubility, the NTs were functionalized with an outer polyethylene glycol-diacid (600) moiety via an aminopropyl linkage. Relaxometry parameters r₁ and r₂ were measured, with the corresponding r₂/r₁ ratios in phosphate buffered s

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez-Rodriguez R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6124042 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature