High‐contrast in vivo visualization of microvessels using novel FeCo/GC magnetic nanocrystals

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Abstract
FeCo‐graphitic carbon shell nanocrystals are a novel MRI contrast agent with unprecedented high per‐metal‐atom‐basis relaxivity (r1 = 97 mM‐1 sec‐1, r2 = 400 mM‐1 sec‐1) and multifunctional capabilities. While the conventional gadolinium‐based contrast‐enhanced angiographic magnetic MRI has proven useful for diagnosis of vascular diseases, its short circulation time and relatively low sensitivity render high‐resolution MRI of morphologically small vascular structures such as those involved in collateral, arteriogenic, and angiogenic vessel formation challenging. Here, by combining FeCo‐graphitic carbon shell nanocrystals with high‐resolution MRI technique, we demonstrate that such microvessels down to ∼100 μm can be monitored in high contrast and noninvasively using a conventional 1.5‐T clinical MRI system, achieving a diagnostic imaging standard approximating that of the more invasive X‐ray angiography. Preliminary in vitro and in vivo toxicity study results also show no sign of toxicity. Magn Reson Med, 2009.
Funding Information
  • Stanford Bio-X Interdisciplinary Initiative Grant
  • CCNT-TR Project 2 at Stanford (NIH 1R01 HL075803, R01 HL078678, R21 CA133492)
  • AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc
  • Ferumoxtran-10
  • GE Healthcare