Nanovesicles as Magnetic Resonance Imaging contrast agents
Nanovesicles as Magnetic Resonance Imaging contrast agents
Gadolinium-based contrast agents are essential in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), but present significant limitations, such as their accumulation in different tissues (brain, liver, etc.) and the risk of causing serious complications in patients with renal impairment. Moreover, these agents are not suitable for repeated analyses over time, as cumulative exposure increases the risk of retention and toxicity.
We propose an alternative to gadolinium-based contrast agents. A metal-free Quatsome-type nanovesicle platform incorporating stable nitroxyl radicals. These nanovesicles accomodate a high radical payload, while maintaining paramagnetic activity, resulting in enhanced MRI contrast efficiency.