Novel Advancements in Nanomaterials-Based Contrast Agents Across Multimodal Imaging and Theranostic Applications

Abstract

Nanomaterials offer significant potential for non-invasive multimodal imaging due to their multifunctionality and tunable nanoscale features. Advances in their design and conjugation with organic and inorganic materials have enhanced their production and utility. Functionalizing nanoparticles (NPs) with imaging agents enables high-contrast imaging with spatial precision. Metallic NPs, quantum dots (QDs), and biogenic NPs have been employed as contrast agents for sensitive and specific imaging. Diseases such as cancer, neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular conditions demand early diagnosis for effective therapy. NPs enhance molecular imaging by penetrating cells and targeting biomolecules, improving imaging modalities like PET, CT, NIRF, MRI, and PAI. This review highlights novel NP applications for image-guided surgery and treatment, emphasizing their role in combining imaging techniques for precision diagnostics. Challenges such as clinical translation and toxicity are discussed, underscoring the need for further research. NP-based contrast agents show promise in bridging the gap between traditional diagnostics and personalized treatments, enabling real-time therapeutic monitoring and early stage theranostics.