Challenges for Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which aims at visualizing molecules and molecular events which occur at a cellular level has been reported. The improved sensitivity of modern scanners allows the acquisition of images based on the detection of heteronuclear resonances. The role of MRI in the armory of diagnostic modalities for the medicine of the forthcoming years largely depends on how chemistry will provide advanced tools to meet the medical needs. The challenge of high relaxivity has also been tackled by using the huge armory of tools offered by nanotechnology. Molecular imaging is a new science that will have a tremendous impact in understanding biology and in the development of innovative diagnostic tools for early diagnoses and monitoring therapeutic treatments. Simultaneous MRI-PET acquisition will have great advantages if chemists will be able to develop agents that exploit the complementarities between the two modalities.