Systematic review: Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide nanoparticles as contrast agents in diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

Several MRI contrast agents (CAs) are used in medical diagnosis that gadolinium (Gd3+) is the most widely used as contrast agents. Unfortunately, its toxicity is due to its inefficiency. In this review, we discuss about the ability of SPIONs in MRI and application in Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) such as magnetite nanoparticles are used as good CAs in recent years because of biocompatibility, low level of toxicity, magnetic properties, simple synthesis and coating to use in medical diagnosis. Uncoated magnetite nanonoparticles are insoluble in water. Hydrophilic coatings result water solubility of nanoparticles and prolonged circulation half-lives of SPION and reduce recognition by RES. SPIONs have an important role in diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) by MRI. SPIONs are MRI contrast agents better than gadolinium because, SPIONs taken up by macrophages but not Gd-nanoparticles.