MRI studies of Gadolinium based contrast agents loaded nanocapsules and iron loaded nanoparticles in chemical and biological environment

Abstract

Molecular imaging by MR is challenging due to the fact that molecular targets are often present in very small numbers. Therefore, the high concentration of contrast agent necessary for detection, severely limits the application of MRI for monitoring molecular processes in vivo. As a result, improved imaging strategies and/or targeted molecular imaging contrast agents with high payload are needed. To achieve the goal of targeted molecular imaging for plaque characterization in future, the objectives of this thesis was to develop and test the potential use of polymeric vehicles (in chemical and biological environment) which can carry high payload of contrast agents to targeted site and serve as potential candidate for targeted molecular imaging. Another aspect was calcium quantification (present in plaque) by MRI using UTE sequence. This in future will help to improve the differentiation between signal losses generated by iron based contrast agents and signal loss due to presence of calcium in plaque.