The New York University researchers -- chemistry Professor James Canary, radiologist Dr. Edwin Wang, and Assistant Professor Kent Kirshenbaum -- were able to show the attachment of a large number of gadolinium chelates -- the chemical compound used in MRI contrast agents -- onto the surface of the viral particles resulted in the generation of a very intense signal in a clinical MRI scanner.

"Our work validates some hypotheses in the field of magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents," said Kirshenbaum, the study's corresponding author. "Previous studies have predicted that, as you increase the particle size of an MR contrast agent, you should see it become more effective... Our study provides evidence that this effect works."

Kirshenbaum says many obstacles before the process can be used to enhance MRI for clinical applications, but he says the study suggests the potential of enhancing specific MRI capabilities.

The research appears in the current issue of the journal Nano Letters.