Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 5
Rare Earth Nanomaterials in Integrated
Modalities Imaging
Y. Zhang and Timothy T.Y. Tan
School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University,
62 Nanyang Drive, 637459, Singapore
tytan@ntu.edu.sg
5.1
Introduction and Overview
Molecular imaging is the
visualization, characterization, and
measurement of biological processes at molecular and cellular levels
in humans and other living systems [1-4]. It offers great potential for
detecting molecular and cellular changes caused by diseases before
the abnormalities are large enough to cause change in the anatomical
structure [2]. Moreover, it enables examination and understanding of
the integrative functions of molecules, cells, and organ systems and
is an efficient tool to monitor the effect of therapeutic treatments [5].
For these merits, much research efforts have been dedicated to this
area in recent decades and significant advances have been made.
in vivo
