The Emerging Role of Nanoparticles in MRI as Targeted Contrast Agents

Authors

  • Adeeba Farooqui Department of Radiodiagnosis, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India Author
  • Zeenat Fareed Department of Microbiology, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India Author
  • Md Rashid Anwer Department of Radiodiagnosis, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India Author
  • Afshan Nigar Department of Radiodiagnosis, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India Author
  • Rushda Parveen Department of Radiodiagnosis, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India Author
  • Nimra Khan Department of Radiodiagnosis, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India Author
  • Zeeshan Akram Department of Radiodiagnosis, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India Author
  • Mohd Fazil Ansari Department of Surgery and anaesthesiology, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India Author
  • Mohd Faraz Department of Radiodiagnosis, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India Author
  • Aniket Singh Rajput Department of Microbiology, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India Author

Keywords:

Nanoparticles in MRI, high-resolution imaging, superior soft tissue contrast, and non-ionizing radiation characteristics.

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely accepted diagnostic technique that is especially well-known for its high-resolution imaging, superior soft tissue contrast, and non-ionizing radiation characteristics. However, the use of contrast agents becomes important to maximise MRI's sensitivity and specificity towards specific disorders. In order to increase image quality and diagnostic precision, recent advancements have concentrated on MRI contrast agents. Nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agents have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional agents, offering improved contrast enhancement, prolonged circulation time, and the potential for targeted imaging. However, a variety of contrast agents are available, including dual contrast agents, manganese-based nanoparticles (MnO), and iron-oxide-based nanoparticles (SPIONS). It helps in surface functionalization and target imaging techniques that enable biocompatibility, reduce immune clearance, and allow for the attachment of targeting ligands. The functions of nanoparticles in MRI-guided treatments, such as targeted drug administration, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, immunity-boosting therapy, and gene therapy. This review highlights recent developments, challenges, and future prospects in the field of nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agents, with an emphasis on their clinical translational potential.

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2025-08-11

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Adeeba Farooqui, Zeenat Fareed, Md Rashid Anwer, Afshan Nigar, Rushda Parveen, Nimra Khan, Zeeshan Akram, Mohd Fazil Ansari, Mohd Faraz, & Aniket Singh Rajput. (2025). The Emerging Role of Nanoparticles in MRI as Targeted Contrast Agents. IOASD Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2(3), 121-129. https://ioasdjmps.com/index.php/ioasdjmps/article/view/39