Iranian researchers at the University of Tabriz took a successful step in the improvement of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) by producing a stable nano-fluid of iron oxide nanoparticles.
One of the shortcomings of MRI is the lack of sufficient distinction between the damage and healthy tissues due to the relatively low sensitivity of this method.
“These nanoparticles can reduce the intensity of signals by concentrating in the target tissue and darken the image in that area. This will lead to the easier and faster observation of the damage,” Dr Naser Arsalani, one of the researchers in this project, told INIC.
He further added that the main challenge in the use of iron oxide nanoparticles as the contrast material in MRI is their stabilization in an aqueous environment, and said, “We succeeded in the production of a magnetic and stable nano-fluid. We stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles in an aqueous environment with poly-N-vinyl pyrrolidine through chemical bonds.”
Elaborating on the procedure of the research, Dr Arsalani said, “We first synthesized super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles by using the common and cost-effective method of co-precipitation in an aqueous environment. Then, we functionalized the surface of the obtained nanoparticles with Silane A.”
“This way, we were able to add the reactant active agent of vinyl to the surface of nanoparticles. Next, we polymerized the N-vinyl pyrrolidine monomer at the surface of the functionalized nanoparticles through radical polymerization method.”
The result of the research shows that the produced nanoparticles benefit from high magnetic properties, and after being coated with the environmental friendly component of poly-N-vinyl pyrrolidine, they have a relatively very high stability for a long time. The results of the MRI tests show the potential application of such nanoparticles in MRI.
Fars News