Traditional MRI contrast agents are often limited by their size and the types of tissues they can target. Nanoparticles, however, can be engineered to target specific cells or tissues, providing more detailed and accurate imaging. For example, iron oxide nanoparticles are used for their strong magnetic properties, which significantly enhance the contrast in MRI images. These nanoparticles can be coated with specific molecules that bind to particular types of cells, improving the ability to diagnose diseases at an early stage.
