The Chemistry of Contrast Agents in Medical Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most important tools in clinical diagnostics and biomedical research. The number of MRI scanners operating around the world is estimated to be approximately 20,000, and the development of contrast agents, currently used in about a third of the 50 million clinical MRI examinations performed every year, has largely contributed to this significant achievement.

This completely revised and extended second edition: 

• Includes new chapters on targeted, responsive, PARACEST and nanoparticle MRI contrast agents.
• Covers the basic chemistries, MR physics and the most important techniques used by chemists in the characterization of MRI agents from every angle from synthesis to safety considerations.
• Is written for all of those involved in the development and application of contrast agents in MRI.
• Presented in colour, it provides readers with true representation and easy interpretation of the images. 

A word from the Authors:

Twelve years after the first edition published, we are convinced that the chemistry of MRI agents has a bright future. By assembling all important information on the design principles and functioning of magnetic resonance imaging probes, this book intends to be a useful tool for both experts and newcomers in the field. We hope that it helps inspire further work in order to create more efficient and specific imaging probes that will allow materializing the dream of seeing even deeper and better inside the living organisms.

Reviews of the First Edition:

'...attempts, for the first time, to review the whole spectrum of involved chemical disciplines in this technique...'-Journal of the American Chemical Society

Lothar Helm studied physics at the University of Karlsruhe and got his diploma in 1977 in physical chemistry and electrochemistry. In 1980 he obtained his Ph.D. and joined the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Lausanne as post-doc. In 1999 he was appointed Privat Docent at the Faculty of Science of the University of Lausanne. Since 2006 he is titular professor and director of the NMR service of the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering.

André E. Merbach, studied at the University of Lausanne and in 1964 was awarded a PhD. He then spent a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory at UC Berkeley. In 1965 he returned to the Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry at Lausanne and created a research and teaching program in coordination chemistry. In 1973, the Swiss Chemical Society awarded him the Werner Prize and Medal for his research and he was nominated Professor of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry.

éva T?th of the Centre de Biophysique Moleculaire, CNRS, Orleans, France, received her Ph.D. in 1994 at the University of Debrecen, Germany and then from 1995-2000 carried out post-doctoral research at the University of Lausanne with Professor Merbach. From 2001-2005 she was based at the EPFL before taking up the position of Director of Research at the CBM in Orleans. She has over 80 journal papers, 4 book chapters as well as acting as co-editor for the 1st edition of this book which was published in 2001.