Seeing SPIOs directly in vivo with magnetic particle imaging

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a new molecular imaging technique that directly images superparamagnetic tracers with high image contrast and sensitivity approaching nuclear medicine techniques—but without ionizing radiation. Since its inception, the MPI research field has quickly progressed in imaging theory, hardware, tracer design, and biomedical applications. Here, we describe the history and field of MPI, outline pressing challenges to MPI technology and clinical translation, highlight unique applications in MPI, and describe the role of the WMIS MPI Interest Group in collaboratively advancing MPI as a molecular imaging technique. We invite interested investigators to join the MPI Interest Group and contribute new insights and innovations to the MPI field.