MR imaging of Fe-Co nanoparticles, magnetotactic bacteria and Fe3O4 microparticles for future drug delivery applications

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of novel potential drug delivery agents are investigated. Candidate carriers considered in this study are iron-cobalt (Fe-Co) nanoparticles, magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), and magnetite (Fe3O4) microparticles. The micro and nanoparticles are highly magnetic and can be steered using gradient coils. MTB, on the other hand, are microorganisms that naturally follow the magnetic field lines through a mechanism called magnetotaxis. These carriers share the capability to be controlled by magnetic field and to be detected on MR images.