Dual-Mode Nanoparticle Probes for High-Performance Magnetic Resonance and Fluorescence Imaging of Neuroblastoma

摘要

Inorganic nanoparticles are emerging as potential probes in next-generation biomedical applications.[1] Their enhanced properties arising from nanoscale effects and their comparable size to biofunctional molecules have allowed for ultrasensitive detection of biomolecular targets.[1–3] Of the various nanoparticles, quantum dots and fluorescent-dye-doped silica nanoparticles are representative examples of optical nanoprobe systems.[2] Dye-doped silica nanoparticles have several advantages for optical imaging: 1) high photostability arising from the stabilization of dye molecules in a protective silica matrix,[2a] 2) amplification of the fluorescent signal owing to high dye-incorporation capabilities of silica nanoparticles,[2b, c] and 3) the silica is known to be relatively biocompatible and less toxic