A Novel Paramagnetic Nanoparticle <scp>T<sub>2</sub></scp> Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent With High Colloidal Stability: Polyacrylic <scp>Acid‐Coated</scp> Ultrafine Dysprosium Oxide Nanoparticles
Shanti Marasini, Huan Yue, Son Long Ho, Hyunsil Cha, Ji Ae Park, Ki‐Hye Jung, Adibehalsadat Ghazanfari, Mohammad Yaseen Ahmad, Shuwen Liu, Kwon Seok Chae, Yongmin Chang, Gang Ho Lee
Abstract
Until now, there have been limited studies on T 2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs) using paramagnetic nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, ultrafine dysprosium oxide (Dy 2 O 3 ) NPs were synthesized as a T 2 MRI CA. To obtain high biocompatibility and colloidal stability in aqueous medium for in vivo applications, they were grafted with polyacrylic acid. They displayed paramagnetism with an appreciable magnetization value at 300 K and consequently, an appreciable transverse water proton spin relaxivity (r 2 ) value which increased as the applied MR field increased. Their potential as a T 2 MRI CA was proved by taking in vivo T 2 MR images in mice.