Magneto-photo-acoustic imaging using dual-contrast agent

Magneto-photo-acoustic imaging - a technique that integrates ultrasound, photoacoustic and magneto-motive ultrasound imaging methods, was developed. To demonstrate the feasibility of magneto-photo-acoustic imaging, the initial experiments were performed using dual-contrast agent consisting of gold nanorods and iron-oxide nanoparticles. Tissue mimicking sample and a specimen of porcine muscle tissue labeled with dual-contrast agent were imaged. The results of our study demonstrate that magneto-photo-acoustic imaging is capable of identifying the localization and concentration of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles within the anatomical maps of the surrounding tissue with sufficient contrast and high resolution. Therefore, magneto-photo-acoustic imaging using hybrid magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles is a promising platform for functional molecular and cellular imaging in vivo and at sufficient depth.