Diagnostic Imaging
Nanotechnology is proving to be very beneficial in the field of diagnostic imaging. With the advancement in in nanotechnology, new contrasting agents are being discovered providing more sensitive and specific information on diseases. Contrast agents are the materials that interact with the radiation to produce visible changes on the image. Nanotechnology has discovered new agents that have increased the sensitivity of imaging techniques such Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and Positron Emission Topography (PET). Because of the increased sensitivity the contrasting agents provides, diagnostic images can reveal pathologies that were not visible previously.
Nanotechnology continues to improve upon the sensitivity, biocompatibility, and biodistribution of various materials. The
advancements have allowed the medical field to more accurately tune and control the chemical and physical properties of contrast materials and as a result can reduce toxic effects within the body due to lower dosages and no damage to surrounding tissues. Thus, nanotechnology will continue to play a key role in the enhancement of diagnostic imaging.
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