Authors: Jones, Ella F.; He, Jiang; VanBrocklin, Henry F.; Franc, Benjamin L.; Seo, Youngho

Source: Current Nanoscience, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 17-29(13)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Molecular imaging has emerged as a powerful tool to visualize molecular events of an underlying disease, sometimes prior to its downstream manifestation. This presents a whole new paradigm disease diagnosis and monitor treatment. Nanotechnology is another rapidly growing field that offers new materials with unique physical and chemical properties that may find broad application in biomedical research. The merging of nanotechnology with molecular imaging provides a versatile platform for novel design of nano-probes that will have tremendous potential to enhance the sensitivity, specificity, and signaling capabilities of various biomarkers in human diseases. In this review, the general construct and key characteristics of nanoprobes in the context of molecular imaging are highlighted. The various designs of nanoprobes based on their targeting mechanisms, strategies for contrast enhancement, multi-modality imaging and imaging/ therapy hybrid systems are outlined along with a discussion on the current status of imaging equipment design. Additionally, the potential challenges for adapting nanoprobes for molecular imaging including toxicity, biodistribution/pharmacokinetics, and synthetic feasibility are addressed.

Keywords: Diagnostic; molecular imaging; multimodality; nanoparticle; targeting; therapeutic

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157341308783591843

Publication date: 2008-02-01

More about this publication?

• Current Nanoscience publishes authoritative reviews and original research reports, written by experts in the field on all the most recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology. All aspects of the field are represented including nano- structures, synthesis, properties, assembly and devices. Applications of nanoscience in biotechnology, medicine, pharmaceuticals, physics, material science and electronics are also covered. The journal is essential to all involved in nanoscience and its applied areas.

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