A New Potential Contrast Agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Iron Oxide-4A 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-4A nanocomposite ability to act as a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Iron oxide-4A nanocomposite (F4A) was synthesized. MTT assay was used to consider the nanocomposite safety for cell culture. The T1 and T2 relaxation times were measured using a 1.5 Tesla clinical MRI scanner. Then the corresponding relaxivities were determined. RESULTS: The average particle diameter of the nanocomposite was 50 to 100 nm based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) image. A linear relationship between relaxation rates and the Fe concentration of the nanocomposite was obtained. The T1 and T2 relaxivities of the nanocomposite were calculated 5.413 and 1092.1 mM(-1).s(-1), respectively which led to the T2/T1 relaxivity ratio of 201.75. CONCLUSION: The high T2/T1 relaxivity ratio of the iron oxide-4A nanocomposite confirms it’s potential to act as a T2 contrast agent.