Chapter 8.4: Peering Into the Future of MRI Contrast Agents

Improvements in contrast agents used in Magnetic Resonanace Imaging (MRI), a powerful tool for medical diagnostics, will substantially increase MRI's reach and utility. Targeted imaging agents that highlight diseased areas form avibrant area of laboratory research now and will translate to commercial products in the near future. In addition, novel contrast agents, such as metalloendohedral fullerenes, gadolinium-containing nanotubes, and dendrimeric gadolinium chelate complexes, will expand the medical practitioner's toolbox. This chapter looks at the most exciting areas in development now and provides a glimpse of new imaging agents that may soon be on the market.