Nanoplatform-Based Molecular Imaging

X. Chen, ed.

Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2011, 848 pages, $195

The objectives of this book are to present the rational design of water-soluble, biocompatible nanoparticles for the imaging of cellular functions and their follow-up. Also, molecular imaging probes based on nanotechnology are presented, along with their potential applications for diagnosis, intervention, and response to therapy. The book is divided into 4 parts. Part I consists of 4 chapters presenting the basics of molecular imaging and nanobiotechnology. Thirteen chapters constitute Part II and describe various topics on nanoparticles for single-modality molecular imaging. Part III contains 14 chapters describing nanoparticle platforms as multimodality imaging and therapy agents. The last part is a single chapter on translational nanomedicine and presents the current status and future prospects for nanoparticle-based technology in human medicine.

Nearly 100 authors worldwide contributed to making this book possible, and the editor is commended for making this book easily read for both novices and experts in nanotechnology as it applies to medicine.

The format for the chapters is concise, consistent, and easy to read. Some of the data and topics may be new to some readers, but the chapters contain an excellent number of references. Each chapter has an introduction followed by multiple concise descriptions of points related to the topic and ends with a conclusion. Appropriate figures, tables, diagrams, and multimodality images are presented. The quality of the paper does not allow the resolution that one can see on higher-quality paper or at workstations, but the essence of the book is to describe the emergent nanotechnology as it applies to medicine in animal models and humans. One drawback is that the image legends describe colors although the images are black and white.

This book has multiple audiences, including chemists, biologists, material scientists, bioengineers, radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, homeland security specialists, toxicologists, clinical researchers, clinicians, and third-party payers. I would also include corporations involved in nanotechnology from funding to patents, attorneys dealing with intellectual property, and individuals doing research for investors. Needless to say, professionals taking care of patients using personalized medicine will also benefit from reading this book.

The book is a must-read and belongs in the libraries of the above-mentioned individuals. Patients will benefit from early detection of disease, survival will be improved, toxicity concerns addressed, and imaging systems and agents improved.

The future of patient care will very likely involve nanotechnology and personalized medicine.

• © 2012 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.