Multifunctional Fe 3O 4/TaO x core/shell nanoparticles for simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray computed tomography

Abstract

Multimodal imaging is highly desirable for accurate diagnosis because it can provide complementary information from each imaging modality. In this study, a sol-gel reaction of tantalum(V) ethoxide in a microemulsion containing Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) was used to synthesize multifunctional Fe3O4/TaOx core/shell NPs, which were biocompatible and exhibited a prolonged circulation time. When the NPs were intravenously injected, the tumor-associated vessel was observed using computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the high and low vascular regions of the tumor.