【Objective】 To prepare Gd3+ incorporated mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles (Gd-MCM-41)

a gadolinium-containing nanometer particles with high paramagnetism

as a novel MRI contrast agent. 【Methods】 Gadolinium was incorporated into a mesoporous silica nanoparticle MCM-41 to prepare Gd-MCM-41. The superficial syndrome

Gd loading and magnetic susceptibility of the Gd-incorporated material were detected by high-resolution transmission electron micrographs

energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and 0.5T NMR analyzer

respectively. The distribution of this nanosized particles in Balb/c nude mice and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) xenografted CNE-2 tumors were analyzed using a 1.5 T MR scanner. 【Results】 The globular-shaped Gd-containing mesoporous nanoparticle was approximately 80 nm to 150 nm in diameter. This Gd-containing material has a Gd loading of 2.89 wt %. The particles dispersed with dispersant Tween have an R1 of 7.45 mmolLS and R2 of 10.97 mmolLS at 0.5 T respectively. After tail vein intravenous administration

the Gd-containing nanoparticles were mainly distributed in the liver

and the significant enhancement was demonstrated in NPC CNE-2 xenografted tumors.【Conclusion】 A gadolinium-containing nanoparticle Gd-MCM-41 might be a novel nanoparticle contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging.