Synthesis of MRI contrast agent by coating superparamagnetic iron oxide with chitosan

Ultrasuperpara magnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles were synthesized with iron chloride using a sonochemical method. The size of the USPIO nanoparticles was controlled by ultrasonic exposure time and power. The USPIO nanoparticles had a narrow size distribution, a perfect magnetite crystal structure, and high saturation magnetization. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent was prepared by coating the USPIO and dispersing it with biocompatible chitosan. In vivo testing in New Zealand white rabbits confirmed the effectiveness of the USPIO nanoparticles as a MRI contrast agent.