Magnetic Ferrite Nanoparticles as a Possible Platform for Magnetic-Resonance Contrast Agents

Ultra-small ferrite nanoparticles containing bivalent metal atoms (Fe, Mn, Mg, and Co) were synthesized as platforms for magnetic-resonance contrast agents affecting mainly T1 or T2 in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The synthetic conditions for the proposed aqueous nanoparticle solutions, in particular, factors affecting their dispersion and concentration were examined. The research results for the relaxation properties of the obtained ferrite solutions and the contrast behavior in laboratory animals showed that they were promising as contrast agents for diagnostic MRI in T 1 -mode.