In this study we systematically developed a potential MR T(1) contrast agent based on very small PEGylated iron oxide nanoparticles. We adjusted the size of the crystalline core providing suitable relaxometric properties. In addition, a dense and optimized PEG coating provides high stability under physiological conditions together with low cytotoxicity and low nonspecific phagocytosis into macrophage cells as a part of the reticulo endothelial system at biologically relevant concentrations. The as developed contrast agent has the lowest r(2)/r(1) ratio (2.4) at 1.41 T reported so far for PEGylated iron oxide nanoparticles as well as a r(1) relaxivity (7.3 mM(-1) s(-1)) that is two times higher compared to that of Magnevist as a typical T(1) contrast agent based on gadolinium as a clinical standard.
