Potential dual imaging nanoparticle: Gd(2)O(3) nanoparticle

Gadolinium (Gd) is a unique and powerful element in chemistry and biomedicine which can be applied simultaneously to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray computed tomography (CT), and neutron capture therapy for cancers. This multifunctionality can be maximized using gadolinium oxide (Gd(2)O(3)) nanoparticles (GNPs) because of the large amount of Gd per GNP, making both diagnosis and therapy (i.e., theragnosis) for cancers possible using only GNPs. In this study, the T(1) MRI and CT dual imaging capability of GNPs is explored by synthesizing various iodine compound (IC) coated GNPs (IC-GNPs). All the IC-GNP samples showed stronger X-ray absorption and larger longitudinal water proton relaxivities (r(1) = 26–38 s(−1)mM(−1) and r(2)/r(1) = 1.4–1.9) than the respective commercial contrast agents. In vivo T(1) MR and CT images of mice were also acquired, supporting that the GNP is a potential dual imaging agent.