Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has attracted much attention due to its effectiveness in treating tumors. Preclinical and clinical studies seek materials with high boron content. Meanwhile, imaging-guided BNCT not only determines the optimal neutron irradiation time and required dose, but also is of great significance for evaluating the treatment effect. Among them, iron borate (Fe2B2O5) nanobundles were synthesized through the thermal decomposition method. Firstly, the iron borate nanobundles are rich in boron, which can provide sufficient boron for BNCT. Secondly, the magnetic properties of the nanobundles can enhance the contrast of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), facilitating the monitoring of the distribution of the substance. By changing the synthesis temperature, time, and precursor concentration, the size and morphology of the nanobundles can be regulated. To enhance the colloidal stability and biocompatibility, the iron borate nanobundles were coated with silicon (IBNBs@SiO2). In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that IBNBs@SiO2 has the function of a T1 contrast agent. Moreover, cells and mice were irradiated with thermal neutrons after IBNBs@SiO2 treatment, showing effective inhibition of melanoma growth. Therefore, IBNB has the potential for MRI-guided BNCT. This research was published in ACS Nano under the title "Iron Borate Nanobeams for Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Boron Neutron Capture Therapy".
References: 
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c16212