MRI Contrast Agent-Based Multifunctional Materials: Diagnosis and Therapy

Abstract

Various imaging technologies have become increasingly important in developing a better understanding of information on the biological and clinical phenomena associated with diseases of interest. Of these technologies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most powerful for clinical diagnosis and in vivo imaging without the exposure to ionising radiation or radiotracers. Despite its many advantages, there are intrinsic limitations caused by MRI contrast agents, such as short vascular half-life circulation, which lead to unwanted side effects. In this review, we will focus on the multifunctional modification of MRI contrast agents for diagnosis and therapy.