Hybrid organic/inorganic nanoparticles aid medical imaging

Filed in archive Medical on July 28, 2006

By combining the properties of inorganic and organic molecules in one material, researchers at the Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence have developed a new class of nanomaterials that can be used to create multifunctional nanoparticles, says a report at nanotechwire.

In a first demonstration of the versatility of these new materials, the investigators created nanoparticles by attaching metal atoms to a framework of organic molecules. The resulting nanoparticles enhance image quality in both fluorescence microscopy and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

The degree of MR signal enhancement was at least 10-fold greater than that produced by imaging agents now used in human clinical imaging applications.

The investigators also note that the organic framework of these new nanomaterials provides a ready attachment point for tumor targeting agents and anticancer drugs.