Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Particles Of Iron Oxide : Where We Are, Where We Want To Go.

Ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide have a variety of clinical applications as contrast agents in molecular and cellular magnetic resonance imaging. Physicochemical parameters such as size, surface charge, coating dramatically influence their pharmacokinetic behaviour and, hence their potential clinical applications. From an industrial point of view, specifications such as stability in biologic media are crucial to avoid failure during the development of these contrast agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]