Magnetic particle imaging: tracer development and the biomedical applications of a radiation-free, sensitive, and quantitative imaging modality. Issue 10 (26th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harvell-Smith, Stanley; Tung, Le Duc; Thanh, Nguyen Thi Kim
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 14:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 3658
• Page End: 3697
• Publication Date: 2022-01-26
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/d1nr05670k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : This review focusses on magnetic particle imaging (MPI), considering progress made in the many biomedical applications, and the design of nanoparticle tracers tailored towards optimal performance. Abstract : Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is an emerging tracer-based modality that enables real-time three-dimensional imaging of the non-linear magnetisation produced by superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), in the presence of an external oscillating magnetic field. As a technique, it produces highly sensitive radiation-free tomographic images with absolute quantitation. Coupled with a high contrast, as well as zero signal attenuation at-depth, there are essentially no limitations to where that can be imaged within the body. These characteristics enable various biomedical applications of clinical interest. In the opening sections of this review, the principles of image generation are introduced, along with a detailed comparison of the fundamental properties of this technique with other common imaging modalities. The main feature is a presentation on the up-to-date literature for the development of SPIONs tailored for improved imaging performance, and developments in the current and promising biomedical applications of this emerging technique, with a specific focus on theranostics, cell tracking and perfusion imaging. Finally, we will discuss recent progress in the clinical translation of MPI. As signal detection in MPI is almost entirely dependent on the properties of the SPION employed, this work emphasises the importance of tailoring the synthetic process to produce SPIONs demonstrating specific properties and how this impacts imaging in particular applications and MPI's overall performance.