Multifunctional Core-Shell Silica Nanoparticles for Highly Sensitive 19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging

(19)Fmagnetic resonance imaging ((FMRI)-F-19) is useful for monitoring particular signals from biological samples, cells, and target tissues, because background signals are missing in animal bodies. Therefore, highly sensitive (FMRI)-F-19 contrast agents are in great demand for their practical applications. However, we have faced the following challenges: 1)increasing the number of fluorine atoms decreases the solubility of the molecular probes, and 2)the restriction of the molecular mobility attenuates the (FMRI)-F-19 signals. Herein, we developed novel multifunctional core-shell nanoparticles to solve these issues. They are composed of a core micelle filled with liquid perfluorocarbon and a robust silica shell. These core-shell nanoparticles have superior properties such as high sensitivity, modifiability of the surface, biocompatibility, and sufficient invivo stability. By the adequate surface modifications, gene expression in living cells and tumor tissue in living mice were successfully detected by (FMRI)-F-19.