Recently, Assistant Professor Han Linbo from College of Health Science and Environmental Engineering of Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) published two review articles in two leading international journals of chemical sciences respectively in collaboration with academics from Hunan University.

On May 28, Ass. Prof. Han published an article titled “Engineering of magnetic nanoparticles as magnetic particle imaging tracers” as the co-first author in Chemical Society Reviews (JCR Quartile: Q1, Impact Factor: 42.846) established by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The co-corresponding authors are Prof. Song Guosheng from Hunan University and Prof. Rao Jianghong from Stanford University. The full text of the review paper can be found at: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/CS/D0CS00260G#!divAbstract.

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) has recently emerged as a promising non-invasive imaging technique because of its signal linearly proportional to the tracer mass, ability to generate positive contrast, low tissue background, unlimited tissue penetration depth, and lack of ionizing radiation. The sensitivity and resolution of MPI are highly dependent on the properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and thus the design and preparation of tracers has been a research focus for improving the performance of MPI. This review examines the parameters that dictate the performance of MNPs, including size, shape, composition, surface property, crystallinity, the surrounding environment, and aggregation state, in order to provide guidance for engineering MPI tracers with better performance. In the end, the review discusses the applications of MPI and its challenges and prospects in clinical translation.

Mechanisms for magnetic relaxation of MNPs and signal generation in MPI [Photo/https://pubs.rsc.org/]

The other review article titled “Optical-Magnetic probe for evaluating cancer therapy” was published in Coordination Chemistry Reviews (JCR Quartile: Q1, Impact Factor: 15.367). The co-corresponding authors are Ass. Prof. Han Linbo and Prof. Song Guosheng. The full text of the review can be found at:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010854521002526?via%3Dihub.

Types of cancer therapeutic methods [Photo/https://www.sciencedirect.com]

With the rapid progress of functional nanomaterials, many non-invasive and highly efficient methods for cancer diagnosis and therapy have been developed to reduce cancer mortality. However, even a standard cancer treatment would cause different responses due to the individual patient variation. In order to achieve personalized treatment and accurate evaluation of therapy, the strategy of evaluating therapy by utilizing imaging probes to accurately reflect the progress and effectiveness of tumor therapy in real time is highly desirable. Considering the requirement of safety and real-time quantification, optical imaging and magnetic imaging can accurately evaluate the changes of tumor microenvironment and therapeutic response at tumor site with fewer side effects. This review focuses on the current research of applying optical imaging and magnetic imaging probe to cancer therapy evaluation for realizing tailored cancer therapy. In addition, the review also discusses the real-world applications, future development and challenges of the research.

Drafted by Olivia（赖丽伟）/ International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Revised by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Edited by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office