Bimodal Nanoprobes Containing AgInSe₂ Hydrophilic Quantum Dots and Paramagnetic Chelates for Diagnostic Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

The development of bimodal systems with signals for two diagnostic techniques has been increasing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique that distinguishes pathological tissues from healthy ones. To improve the images’ contrast, nanoparticulate contrast agents (CAs) have been developed, allowing for the attachment of several CA molecules in one nanoparticle. In this work, we associated AgInSe2 quantum dots (QDs) with gadolinium complexes, obtaining nanoprobes for MRI and optical imaging. The nanosystems showed good optical properties and values of relaxivity superior to the CAs used clinically. Thus, these nanoprobes have the potential to be used as CAs for MRI and optical imaging.

Keywords

• semiconductors
• DOTA-Gd complex
• magnetic resonance imaging
• contrast agents
• optical imaging