KCS

Magnetic nanoparticles have been widely studied as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents to increase the sensitivity. Son et al. have synthesized superparamagnetic nanotubes which are silica nanotubes (SNTs) with a layer of magnetite nanoparticles inside. Although there are several advantages of this structure, the saturated magnetization (M_sat) of the magnetic nanotubes is about 2emu/gMNT, which limited their applications. A new method for the synthesis of MNTs with highly improved M_sat (30emu/gMNT) has been developed. A solvothermal polyol method was used for the synthesis. The magnetization and relaxivities of the MNTs were characterized. These MNTs with unique physical structure and well-controlled magnetic properties could work as a novel MRI contrast agent.