Background: Molecular imaging has generated a great demand to develop targeted contrast agents for MR imaging.
Materials and methods: In this study, we synthesized Src homology 2-containing phosphotyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2)-targeted and polylactic-co-glycolic acid–-based nanoparticles (NPs), which encapsulated perfluoropentane and being chelated with gadolinium (Gd³⁺) as an efficient molecular probe for targeting MR imaging on thyroid carcinoma.
Results: These NPs displayed practical properties and favorable biocompatibility in vitro. Furthermore, they showed abilities to specifically target thyroid cancer and enhance MRI as a contrast agent in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Conclusion: This novel MR molecular imaging based on this SHP2-targeted contrast agent provides a useful and non-invasive method for the early detection of thyroid carcinoma.
Keywords: thyroid tumor, SHP2, Gd³⁺, nanoparticles, MR molecular imaging