ABSTRACT
Two key candidate systems that have recently emerged as prospective probes for use in bioimaging applications are fluorescent quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles, respectively. In this discussion, the discovery of silica-coated synthetic probes, both optical and magnetic, for use in bioimaging techniques is the primary emphasis. These probes developed primarily in the laboratory. In addition to this, the recent advancements that have been made in the production of rare earth nanomaterials for diagnostic imaging are outlined.
