Gadofullerenes and gadonanotubes: A new paradigm for high-performance magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent probes

In this review, the physicochemical properties and biomedical applications of Gd@C-60 (gado-fullerenes) and Gd@ Ultra-short Single-walled carbon nanotubes (gadonanotubes) are discussed, especially in regard to the unique benefits of this novel class of materials for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The introduction of carbon nanotechnology into biomaterial science has created great opportunity for improving medical diagnostics and therapeutics. In this regard, derivatized gadofullerenes and gadonanotubes offer a new nanoscale paradigm for the design of high-performance MRI contrast agent (CA) probes with efficacies up to 100 times greater than current clinical CAs. Studies show that such CAs are well suited for both passive (magnetic labels for cells) and active (pH-sensitive probes) MRI-based molecular imaging. This capability might lead, for example, to the detection of molecular components or processes that are at the cause of disease. The various important physicochemical factors or parameters discussed in this work provide valuable insight into the development of not only other carbon nanostructure-based MRI contrast agents, but for any fullerene-based biomedical application.