Contrast Agents:
MRI Portfolio
Imaging contrast agents that will transform your preclinical MRI imaging
Overview
Dedicated product portfolio of animal imaging agents that will unleash the full potential of preclinical animal MRI, employing innovative agents from small molecules to nanoparticles.
Our GadoSpin gadolinium chelate and FeraSpin iron oxide nanoparticle product families are designed to offer you previously unseen capabilities.
Broad application spectrum includes:
- Tumor vascularization and angiogenesis studies
- Cardiovascular disease imaging
- Delineation of tissues and organ-specific imaging
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
Therapeutic efficacy monitoring - Nanoparticle physiology studies
- MRI physics and sequence optimization
Discover how contrast agents can advance your MRI research!
The illustrated guide of GadoSpin and FeraSpin products assists you in identifying the optimal imaging agent for your particular application.
MRI Contrast Agent Portfolio
GadoSpin
GadoSpin™ F
GadoSpin F is a unique MRI agent developed for atherosclerosis imaging. It contains a hydrophobic targeting moiety for high protein binding affinity. The agent accumulates in atherosclerotic plaques and enables T1-weighted visualization of plaque burden.
The unique amphiphilic agent for plaque imaging:
- Contains a hydrophobic targeting moiety
- Accumulates in atherosclerotic plaques
- Leads to significant T1 positive enhancement in the vascular system
Alternatively, benefit from GadoSpin F:
- For efficient lymph node and inflammation imaging based on its selective enrichment
- By easily performing an additional angiography scan during GadoSpin F’s extended blood pool phase
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of GadoSpin F:
Relaxivity (37 °C, 1.5 T)
r1 = 18 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 31 L mmol-1 s-1
r1 = 15 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 20 L mmol-1 s-1
~1,300 g mol-1
GadoSpin™ F atherosclerosis and vascular imaging
Top: Accumulation of GadoSpin F in atherosclerotic plaque of a WHHL rabbit 6 hours (left) and 24 h (right) post injection, as measured by as measured by T1-weighted MRI (TFL IR, 1.5 T).
Bottom: Axial Flash MR images of an ApoE-/-mouse pre (left) and 24 hours post (right) injection of GadoSpin F. The signal intensity of the descending aorta (red arrows) increases due to GadoSpin F accumulation in atherosclerotic plaque.
Download Application Note – MRI of atherosclerotic plaque
Selected References
- Jung, C. et al. (2017) Quantitative and qualitative estimation of atherosclerotic plaque burden in vivo at 7T MRI using Gadospin F in comparison to en face preparation evaluated in ApoE KO mice. PlosOne 12(8).
- Christiansen, S.I. (2015) Quantitative Diagnostik und Monitoring sowie qualitative Charakterisierung atherosklerotischer Plaques in ApoE-KO-Mäusen in der MRT mittels GadoSpin F im Vergleich zu μCT und
en face-Präparation. PhD thesis. - Niessen, H. G. et al. (2011) Visualizing atherosclerotic plaques in mice with a lipophilic MR contrast agent. International Society for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Medicine Meeting, Montreal, Canada.
- Zheng, J. et al. (2008) Targeted contrast agent helps to monitor advanced plaque during progression: a magnetic resonance imaging study in rabbits. Invest. Radiol. 43: 49-55.
GadoSpin™ F MRI contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 162
GadoSpin™ F MRI contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 163
GadoSpin™ P
MR angiography agent
GadoSpin P is a long-circulating imaging agent for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). It is based on a high molecular weight polymer that does not extravasate from intact blood vessels.
The unique polymeric gadolinium chelate agent:
- Is based on a linear polymer of a tailored molecular weight
- Has a long blood half-life, remaining in the vasculature for a prolonged period of time
- Enables higher resolution images through a longer steady state period and a wide acquisition timeframe
Apply GadoSpin P to:
- Effectively visualize healthy vasculature
- Visualize and quantify vascular abnormalities in tumors and inflammation
- Harness the full potential of your imaging device to investigate microvessels
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of GadoSpin P:
Relaxivity (37 °C, 1.41T)
r1 = 10 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 12 L mmol-1 s-1
~200,000 g mol-1
GadoSpin™ P MR angiography
Top: Whole-body T1-weighted MR angiography of a mouse injected with GadoSpin P reveals vascular fine structure.
Top: Timecourse of the signal intensity in mouse blood after injection of GadoSpin P compared to conventional Gd-DTPA. Due to its longer blood pool phase, GadoSpin P allows for a sharper delineation of blood vessels.
Download Application Note – Monitoring clearance of brain waste
Download Application Note – Innovative blood pool agent for MRI
Selected References
- Ahn, J.H. et al. (2019) Meningeal lymphatic vessels at the skull base drain cerebrospinal fluid. Nature 572(7767): 62-66.
- Govaerts, K. et al. (2013) Towards quantitative evaluation of vascular alterations in mice using MR angiography.
Front. Neuroinform. doi: 10.3389/conf.fninf.2013.10.00021. - Yang, L.et al. (2013) Evaluating glymphatic pathway function utilizing clinically relevant intrathecal infusion of CSF tracer. J. Transl. Med. 11: 107.
- Iliff, J.J. et al. (2013) Brain-wide pathway for waste clearance captured by contrast-enhanced MRI. J Clin Invest. 123(3): 1299-309.
Order Info:
GadoSpin™ P MRI contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 136
GadoSpin™ P MRI contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 137
GadoSpin™ D
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI agent
GadoSpin D is a unique dendritic MRI agent for studying blood vessel integrity and angiogenesis in tumors and inflamed tissues via dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. It contains 24 gadolinium ions in a globular structure.
The unique dendritic MRI agent:
- Has an intermediate molecular weight optimized for vascular studies
- Stays confined within intact vasculature
- Passes through fenestrated blood vessel in tumors and inflamed tissue
Apply GadoSpin D to effectively:
- Quantitate angiogenesis and investigate vascular abnormalities in tumors and inflammation with ease
- Monitor therapeutic efficacy
- Use its blood pool effect for MR angiography as an alternative to GadoSpin P
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of GadoSpin D:
Relaxivity (37 °C, 1.5T)
In plasma:
r1 = 19 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 29 L mmol-1 s-1
In water:
r1 = 17 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 22 L mmol-1 s-1
Molecular weight:
~17,000 g mol-1
GadoSpin™ P dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging
Top: DCE-MRI-based tumor therapy monitoring using GadoSpin D. The effect of anti-angiogenic treatment in mice is studied as contrast agent uptake in regions of tumor angiogenesis. Comparing T1-weighted pre- and post-contrast scans, the contrast effect appears to be significantly lower (and restricted to the cortex region) in treated mice as compared to control mice. This can be attributed to a treatment-induced reduction of neovasculature..
Top: Schematic representation of DCE-MRI using GadoSpin D. Tumor tissue exhibits a significantly higher extravasation of the agent than the reference muscle tissue. Temporal sampling allows for exact quantification and calculation of exchange rate constants.
Selected References
- Ma, Q. et al. (2019) Clearance of cerebrospinal fluid from the sacral spine through lymphatic vessels.J. Exp. Med. 216(11): 2492-2502.
- Ma, Q. et al. (2018) Rapid lymphatic efflux limits cerebrospinal fluid flow to the brain. Acta Neuropathol. 137(1): 151-165.
- Stein, S. et al. (2015) MR imaging of model drug distribution in simulated vitreous. Curr. Dir. Biomed. Eng. 1: 236-239.
- Verhoye, M. et al. (2002) Assessment of the neovascular permeability in glioma xenografts by dynamic T(1) MRI with Gadomer-17. Magn. Reson. Med 47: 305-313.
- Fink, C. et al. (2003) High resolution three-dimensional MR angiography of rodent tumors: Morphologic characterization of intratumoral vasculature. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 18: 59-65.
Order Info:
GadoSpin™ D MRI contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 164
GadoSpin™ D MRI contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 165
GadoSpin™ M
Proven extracellular MRI agent
GadoSpin M is our all-purpose extracellular gadolinium chelate agent for classical contrast-enhanced MRI and for studying CNS diseases. The trusted standard from human clinical MRI has been formulated for small animal imaging.
The trusted all-purpose MRI agent from clinical practice:
- Is rapidly distributed in vascular and interstitial space
- Does not permeate membranes or the intact blood-brain barrier
Rely on a substance that is well-proven in clinical practice for:
- Investigation of blood-brain barrier abnormalities in brain tumors and neuroinflammation
- Delineation of tissues based on its differential distribution
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Structural formula of Gd-DTPA:
Relaxivity (37 °C, 1.5T)
In plasma:
r1 = 4 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 5 L mmol-1 s-1
In water:
r1 = 3 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 4 L mmol-1 s-1
Molecular weight:
938 g mol-1
GadoSpin™ M brain tumor and whole body MRI
Top Series: Intracranial tumor in mouse exhibits contrast enhancement after GadoSpin M has passed the compromised blood-brain barrier. The image series shows tumor progression.
Bottom Series: Mouse whole body images offer enhanced soft-tissue contrast by using GadoSpin M. Three slices of the dataset are shown.
Selected references
- Kiessling, F. et al. (2003) Dynamic T1-weighted monitoring of vascularization in human carcinoma heterotransplants by magnetic resonance imaging. Int. J. Cancer 104: 113-120.
- Li, P. et al. (2016) Use of micro-positron emission tomography with 18F-fallypride to measure the levels of dopamine receptor-D2 and 18F-FDG as molecular imaging tracer in the pituitary glands and prolactinomas of Fischer-344 rats. Onco Targets Ther. 9: 2057-68.
- Furman-Haran, E. et al. (1996) Angiogenic response of MCF7 human breast cancer to hormonal treatment: assessment by dynamic GdDTPA-enhanced MRI at spatial resolution. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 6: 195-202.
- Bjørnaes, I. et al. (2000) Measurement of the extracellular volume of human melanoma xenografts by contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Magn. Reson. Imaging 18: 41-48.
Order Info:
GadoSpin™ M MRI contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 134
GadoSpin™ M MRI contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 135
GadoSpin™ V
Liver imaging MRI agent
GadoSpin V is an extracellular MRI agent specifically developed for liver imaging. It is based on the proven gadoxetate disodium molecule that has long been used in clinical practice. The agent provides positive contrast by accumulating in healthy liver tissue and enables detection of focal liver lesions in T1-weighted MRI.
The proven liver imaging MRI agent from clinical practice:
- Serves as a reference imaging agent
- Accumulates in hepatocytes through active transport
- Enables detection and characterization of focal liver lesions
- Is optimized for the visualization even of tiny liver lesions
Rely on a substance that is well-proven in clinical practice to:
- Positively enhance healthy liver tissue in T1-weighted MR images
- Effectively visualize liver tumors and metastases
- Differentiate malignant and benign lesions
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Structural formula of Gd-EOB-DTPA Disodium
Relaxivity (37 °C, 1.5 T)
In plasma:
r1 = 7 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 9 L mmol-1 s-1
In blood:
r1 = 7 L mmol-1 s-1
Molecular weight:
726 g mol-1
GadoSpin™ V MRI of the liver
T1-weighted FSE images of mouse abdomen before (left) and after (right) injection of GadoSpin V. Accumulation of the contrast agent in hepatocytes leads to hyperintensity of healthy liver tissue.
Selected references
- Kiryu, S. et al. (2009) Evaluation of gadoxetate disodium as a contrast agent for mouse liver imaging: comparison with gadobenate dimeglumine.
- J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 27(1): 101-107.
Freimuth, J. et al. (2010) Freimuth, J. et al. (2010) Application of magnetic resonance imaging in transgenic and chemical mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Molecular Cancer 9: 94. - Yang, L. et al. (2020) T1 Mapping on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for the prediction of oxaliplatin-induced liver injury in a mouse model. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 53: 896–902.
Order Info:
GadoSpin™ V MRI contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 705
GadoSpin™ V MRI contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 706
FeraSpin
FeraSpin™ R
Liver imaging MRI agent
FeraSpinTM R is based on the clinically proven Ferucarbotran and forms the basis of all products within the FeraSpin Series. FeraSpin R is rapidly taken up by liver and spleen macrophages.
Viscover’s proven superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticle agent:
- Consists of nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 10-90 nanometers
- Is rapidly taken up by macrophages in the liver and spleen
- Delivers optimal T2/T2* contrast
Apply FeraSpin R SPIO nanoparticles to:
- Effectively visualize spleen, liver and liver tumor morphology in excellent detail in T1-weighted MR images
- Study nanoparticle physiology with ease
- Rely on a substance well-proven in clinical practice
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of a FeraSpin R nanoparticle
Mean particle size (hydrodynamic diameter):
60 nm
Particle size range:
10 – 90 nm
Relaxivity (37 °C, 1.41 T)
In water:
r1 = 10 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 185 L mmol-1 s-1
Relaxivity (37 °C, 1.5 T, clinical device)
In plasma:
r1 = 7 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 95 L mmol-1 s-1
In water:
r1 = 9 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 61 L mmol-1 s-1
FeraSpin™ R MRI of the liver
Axial T2-weighted MR images of a mouse before (left) and after (right) injection of FeraSpin R. Accumulation of the agent in liver Kupffer cells leads to hypointensity of healthy liver tissue and renders the tumor white and highly visible.
Download Application Note –MRI tracking of SPIO-labeled bacteria
- Schwab, L. et al. (2014) Neutrophil granulocytes recruited upon translocation of intestinal bacteria enhance graft-versus-host disease via tissue damage, Nat. Med. 20: 648-654.
- Murakami, T. et al. (2001) Evaluation of regional liver damage by magnetic resonance imaging with superparamagnetic iron oxide in rat liver. Dig. Dis. Sci. 46: 148-155.
- Lawaczeck, R. et al. (1997) magnetic iron oxide particle coated with carboxydextran for parental administration and liver contrasting. Pre-clinical profile of SHU555A. Acta Radiol 38: 584-597.
- Weigl, F. et al. (2017) Determination of the Total Circulating Blood Volume using Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy. Int. J. Mag. Part. Imag. 3(1).
Order no:
FeraSpin™ R MRI agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 138
FeraSpin™ R MRI agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 139
FeraSpin™ XS
Nanoparticulate vascular MRI agent
FeraSpin XS is an ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticle agent for MR angiography (MRA). It has been size-selected from FeraSpin R and is part of the FeraSpin Series. FeraSpin XS has the longest circulation time of the entire FeraSpin product family and can be imaged by both T1- and T2/T2*- weighted sequences.
Viscover’s unique ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (USPIO) agent:
- Is analogous to human clinical agents
- Has an ultra-small size of 18 nanometers
- Has the longest blood half-life of all FeraSpin products
- Delivers optimal vascular T1 enhancement (positive contrast)
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of a FeraSpin XS nanoparticle
Mean particle size (hydrodynamic diameter):
18 nm
Particle size range:
Narrow size distribution
Relaxivity (37 °C, 1.41 T)
In water:
r1 = 13 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 49 L mmol-1 s-1
r1 = 11 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 38 L mmol-1 s-1
r1 = 13 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 44 L mmol-1 s–
FeraSpin™ XS MR angiography
Mouse whole-body T1-weighted MR angiography using FeraSpin XS.
Download Application Note –MRI of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Valdora, F. et al. (2016) A non-invasive approach to monitor chronic lymphocytic leukemia engraftment in a xenograft mouse model using ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide-magnetic resonance imaging (USPIO-MRI). J. Clin. Immunol. 172: 52-60.
- Allkemper, T. et al. (2002) Contrast enhanced blood-pool MR angiography with optimized iron oxides effect of size and dose on vascular contrast enhancement in rabbits. Radiology 223: 432-438.
- Persigehl, T. et al. (2007) Antiangiogenic tumor treatment: early noninvasive monitoring with USPIO-enhanced MR imaging in mice. Radiology 244: 449-456.
Order no:
FeraSpin™ XS MRI agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 140
FeraSpin™ XS MRI agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 141
FeraSpin™ T
MR cell tracking agent
FeraSpin T is an innovative superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticulate agent optimized for in vitro cell labeling and subsequent in vivo MRI tracking of the labeled cells. It has been developed not only to enable efficient uptake by various cell types without the need of a transfection agent but also to deliver optimal MRI contrast.
Viscover’s proven nanoparticulate MR cell tracking agent:
- Is based on iron oxide nanoparticles
- Exhibits optimized particle size and composition
- Is taken up by stem cells, primary cells and cell lines
- Provides optimal T2/T2* contrast
Apply FeraSpin T to:
- Effectively label cells without the need of a transfection agent
- Investigate the fate of specific cells in vivo
- Gain insight into the mechanisms of underlying biological processes
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of a FeraSpin T nanoparticle
Mean particle size (hydrodynamic diameter):
60 nm
Particle size range:
Narrow size distribution
Relaxivity (37 °C, 1.41 T)
In water:
r1 = 8 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 280 L mmol-1 s-1
FeraSpin™ T in vivo MRI cell tracking
Time-dependent axial MR images of the rat brain after injection of MSCs previously labeled with FeraSpin T. At day 1, the injection site is clearly visible (white arrow). At days 2 and 7, the labeled cells are visible in other parts of the brain (red arrows), due to their migration from the injection site into brain tissue.
- Jones, J. et al. (2015) Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Motor Functions and Decrease Neurodegeneration in Ataxic Mice. Mol. Ther. 23(1): 130–138.
- Kraupner, A. et al. (2017) Nanoparticles optimized for efficient stem cell labeling and possessing optimal contrast properties for MRI and MPI.
Order no:
FeraSpin™ T MRI contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 703
FeraSpin™ T MRI contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 704
FeraSpin™ Series
Nanoparticle MRI research toolbox
The FeraSpin™ Series is a product family of six size-selected agents derived from FeraSpin R:
FeraSpin XS to FeraSpin XXL. The identical chemical composition and ultra-narrow size distribution of these fractions allow for fine-tuning of the pharmacologic profile according to your own innovative applications.
The unique series of size-selected superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles:
- Is analogous to human clinical agents
- Encompasses particle fractions ranging from ultrasmall to large particle sizes
- Offers tunable T1 and T2/T2* relaxation properties
Apply the FeraSpin Series to
- Adjust your unique MRI contrast agent for extended circulation, or macrophage and organ-specific uptake by the liver and spleen
- Perform innovative in vitro and in vivo studies such as stem cell tracking, MR sequence development and Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI)
Characteristics of the FeraSpin Series with respect to particle size
Blood half-life in rats of the different FeraSpin Series products in dependence of particle size
| FeraSpin™ | Mean particle size (hydrodynamic diameter) | Relaxivity r2/r1 (in water 37 °C, 1.41 T ) |
|---|---|---|
|
XS |
10 – 20 nm |
3 – 5 |
|
S |
20 – 30 nm |
5 – 9 |
|
M |
30 – 40 nm |
9 – 22 |
|
L |
40 – 50 nm |
22 – 32 |
|
XL |
50 – 60 nm |
32 – 39 |
|
XXL |
60 – 70 nm |
39 – 46 |
FeraSpin™ Series tunable MRI Contras
FeraSpin XS, M, and XL (top to bottom) accumulated in mouse liver Kupffer cells leading to T2* hypointensity of healthy liver tissue (left column: pre-contrast, right column: 30 min. post inject) Accumulation and T2* effect clearly increase with particle size.
Mouse whole-body T1-weighted MR angiography using FeraSpin XS.
Selected References
- Waischkies, C. et al. (2017) SPIO-enhanced MRI as a nondestructive in vivo method to assess vascularization of 3D Degrapol® scaffolds planted on the Chorioallantoic membrane of the chick embryo in ovo. Matters Select, DOI: 10.19185/matters.201710000003.
- Jones, J. et al. (2015) Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Motor Functions and Decrease Neurodegeneration in Ataxic Mice. Mol. Ther. 23(1): 130–138
- Lohrke, J. et al. (2008) Characterization of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles by asymmetrical flow-field-flow-fractionation. Nanomedicine 3: 437-452.
- Ludwig, F. et al. (2012) Optimization of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Magnetic Particle Imaging. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics. 48(11): 3780-3783.
Order no:
FeraSpin™ XS MRI agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 140
FeraSpin™ XS MRI agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 141
FeraSpin™ S MRI agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 166
FeraSpin™ S MRI agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 167
FeraSpin™ M MRI agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 168
FeraSpin™ M MRI agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 169
FeraSpin™ L MRI agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 170
FeraSpin™ L MRI agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 171
FeraSpin™ XL MRI agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 172
FeraSpin™ XL MRI agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 173
FeraSpin™ XXL MRI agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 174
FeraSpin™ XXL MRI agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095
Customized Agents
Customized MRI agents
Imaging agents tailored for your research
The continually expanding Viscover portfolio provides reliable, ready-to-use imaging agents covering a wide spectrum of imaging demands. For those occasions when a customized solution is required, you can rely on the Viscover team for timely assistance.
Examples of our custom offers include:
For MRI:
- Target-specific imaging agents based on both iron oxide and gadolinium-chelate nanoparticles
- Iron oxide nanoparticles of all sizes
- Custom-sized polymeric MRI agents
- Fractionated radiopaque nanoparticles
- Research on target-specific CT imaging agents
- Custom-sized polymeric CT imaging agents
- Target- specific ultrasound microbubbles
- Fractionated ultrasound microbubbles with selected echogenic properties
- NIR dyes, both small molecule and particulate, having various chemical functionalities and optical properties
- Target-specific optical imaging agents
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of a FeraSpin T nanoparticle
Mean particle size (hydrodynamic diameter):
60 nm
Particle size range:
Narrow size distribution
Relaxivity (37 °C, 1.41 T)
In water:
r1 = 8 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 280 L mmol-1 s-1
Viscover’s target-specific agents for all modalities.
Selected References
- Briel, A. et al. (2005) Ultrasound theranostics: antibody-based microbubble conjugates as targeted in vivo contrast agents and advanced drug delivery systems. Modern Biopharmaceuticals. 3: 1301-1324.
- Hauff, P. et al. (2004) Molecular targeting of lymph nodes with L-selectin ligand-specific US contrast agent: a feasibility study in mice and dogs. Radiology 231: 667-673.
- Licha, K. et al. (2001) Synthesis, characterization, and biological properties of cyanine-labeled somatostatin analogues as receptor –targeted fluorescent probes. Bioconjugate Chem. 12: 44-50.
- Zhang, C. et al. (2007) Specific targeting of tumor angiogenesis by RGD-conjugated ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles using a clinical 1.5-T magnetic resonance scanner. Cancer Res. 67: 1555-1562.