Now, magnetic iron oxide nano-particles can help in detecting tumors and meta-static lesions! They are found to be capable of acting as powerful contrast agents for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Similarly, quantum dots - a nano-scale, inorganic fluorescent imaging agent — have become an important tool for studying key cancer-related bio-molecules.
Compared to the individual components, the combination nano-particle performed better in both MRI and fluorescent imaging tests. The combination nano-particle generated an over three-fold more intense MRI signal, compared to what the same number of iron oxide nano-particles did in MRI experiments.
The fluorescent signal from the dual-mode nano-particle was also almost twice as bright compared to that produced by dye molecules that are linked directly to iron oxide nano-particles.
