VSION as high field MRI T contrast agent: evidence of their potential as positive contrast agent for magnetic resonance angiography.

Because of their outstanding magnetic properties, iron oxide nanoparticles have already been the subject of numerous studies in the biomedical field, in particular as a negative contrast agent for T-weighted nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, or as therapeutic agents in hyperthermia experiments. Recent studies have shown that below a given particle size (i.e. 5 nm), iron oxide may be used to provide a significant positive (brightening) effect on T-weighted MRI. In such an application, not only the size of the crystal, but also the control of the coating process is essential to ensure optimal properties, especially at a very high field (> 3 T). In this work, we focused on the development of very small iron oxide nanoparticles as a potential platform for high field T magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) applications. The feasibility has been evaluated in vivo at 9.4 T, demonstrating the usefulness of the developed system for MRA applications.