Shedding light on vascular imaging: the revolutionary role of nanotechnology

Key Words:MAGNETIC-RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY; IRON-OXIDE NANOPARTICLES; ENHANCED MR-ANGIOGRAPHY; CONTRAST AGENTS; FERUMOXYTOL; T-1; PRINCIPLES; NANOPROBES; DIAGNOSIS; STENOSIS

Abstract:Vascular dysfunction, characterized by changes in anatomy, hemodynamics, and molecular s of vasculatures, is closely linked to the onset and development of diseases, emphasizing the importance of its detection. In clinical practice, medical imaging has been utilized as a significant tool in the assessment of vascular dysfunction, however, traditional imaging techniques still lack sufficient resolution for visualizing the complex microvascular systems. Over the past decade, with the rapid advancement of nanotechnology and the emergence of corresponding detection facilities, engineered nanomaterials offer new alternatives to traditional contrast agents. Compared with conventional small molecule counterparts, nanomaterials possess numerous advantages for vascular imaging, holding the potential to significantly advance technologies. In this review, the latest developments in nanotechnology-assisted vascular imaging research across different imaging modalities, including contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography, susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), and fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) are summarized. Additionally, the advancements of preclinical and clinical studies to these nanotechnology-enhanced vascular imaging approaches are outlined, with subsequent discu on the current challenges and future prospects in both basic research and clinical translation.

Volume:22

Issue:1

Translation or Not:no