Nanoplatform–Based Molecular Imaging

The use of nanomaterials as diagnostics in medicine and molecular imaging probes is a promising, yet underdeveloped, technology. This indispensable guide helps scientists, chemists, biologists, and even clinicians grasp the essential basics of why and how nanoparticle platforms can be used for molecular imaging. It then proceeds to underscore the scientific and technological opportunities present in this field and outlines an integrated multidisciplinary strategy to encourage development of the next generation of molecular medicine. Nanoplatform-Based Molecular Imaging

• Focuses on the rational design of water-soluble, biocompatible nanoparticles for the visualization of cellular function

• Addresses how this type of imaging can be used as an effective tool for diagnosing cancer, cardiac diseases, and neurodegeneration

• Discusses general strategies for nanoparticle synthesis, surface chemistry, and bioconjugation chemistry

• Discusses theranostics, the proposed process of diagnostic therapy that tests patients for possible reactions to new medication and tailors a treatment for them based on test results

• Emphasizes fundamentals and explains "how to do it" with detailed procedures and preparative methods

Showing how this technology can be a valuable asset in real-world applications such as computed tomography, optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and multimodality imaging, this comprehensive volume deftly summarizes the opinions of those in the forefront of molecular imaging to deliver information that may one day lead to its widespread use--and the realization of its potential as a significant and highly dependable diagnostic tool.