BIOMARKER-TARGETING CONTRAST AGENTS AND THEIR USE IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR DETECTION OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE

摘要

A composition comprising: a liposome having a bilayer structure, a gadofullerene having a high relaxivity, and an amphiphilic receptor ligand. The gadofullerene may be embedded in the bilayer structure of the liposome. The composition may be functionalized with an amine having a C4-C 100 alkyl chain and an amine having analkoxyalkyl chain, and an amphiphilic receptor ligand; wherein the gadofullerene isembedded in the bilayer structure of the liposome. The composition may comprise a therapeutic drug wherein the therapeutic drug is incorporated in the drug delivery system for imaging-guided disease intervention. The composition may be used for detecting atherosclerotic plaque in an animal using.