Bioimaging Probes Using Functionalized Inorganic Nanoparticles

The complex process of visualizing internal structures for medical diagnosis and therapy has witnessed a transformative shift with inorganic nanoparticle-based bioimaging probes. As a potential substitute of traditional molecular imaging probes, inorganic nanoparticle-based bioimaging probes have been thoroughly explored over the past few decades. These probes, with their unique nanoscale attributes, customizable compositions, and adaptable functionalities, offer a versatile platform for stimuli-responsive, multimodal, and targeted imaging. Notably, the functionalization of these nanoparticles, through surface modification, has enriched their qualities, significantly impacting the bioimaging domain. Achieving high-quality, contrast-rich images is pivotal in bioimaging. This chapter outlines recent progress in enhancing inorganic nanoparticle-based bioimaging probes (e.g., gold, silica, magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes) across multiple modalities (MRI, CT, optical imaging, and photoacoustic imaging) and their applications. The chapter also explores selective cell targeting using functionalized nanoparticles, minimizing background signals, and enabling extended multimodal imaging.