A New Potential Contrast Agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Iron Oxide-۴A Nanocomposite

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents have an important role to differentiate healthy and diseased tissues. Access and design new contrast agents for the optimal use of MRI are necessary. This study aims to evaluate iron oxide–۴A nanocomposite ability to act as a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent. Material and Methods: Iron oxide–۴A nanocomposite (F۴A) was synthesized. MTT assay was used to consider the nanocomposite safety for cell culture. The T۱ and T۲ relaxation times were measured using a ۱.۵ Tesla clinical MRI scanner. Then the corresponding relaxivities were determined.Results: The average particle diameter of the nanocomposite was ۵۰ to ۱۰۰ nm based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) image. A linear relationship between relaxation rates and the Fe concentration of the nanocomposite was obtained. The T۱ and T۲ relaxivities of the nanocomposite were calculated ۵.۴۱۳ and ۱۰۹۲.۱ mM-۱.s-۱, respectively which led to the T۲/T۱ relaxivity ratio of ۲۰۱.۷۵. Conclusion: The high T۲/T۱ relaxivity ratio of the iron oxide–۴A nanocomposite confirms it’s potential to act as a T۲ contrast agent.

Keywords:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Contrast Agent , Relaxivity , Iron Oxide , Nanocomposite