Abstract
Medical imaging is a cornerstone of modern medicine. In that context the development of innovativeimaging systems combining biomaterials and contrast agents (CAs)/imaging probes (IPs) for improveddiagnostic and theranostic applications focuses intense research efforts. In particular, the classical aliphatic(co)polyesters poly(lactide) (PLA), poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL),attract much attention due to their long track record in the medical field. This review aims thereforeat providing a state-of-the-art of polyester-based imaging systems. In a first section a rapid descriptionof the various imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging, computedtomography (CT), ultrasound (US) and radionuclide imaging (SPECT, PET) will be given. Then,the two main strategies used to combine the CAs/IPs and the polyesters will be discussed. In more detailwe will first present the strategies relying on CAs/IPs encapsulation in nanoparticles, micelles,dendrimers or capsules. We will then present chemical modifications of polyesters backbones and/orpolyester surfaces to yield macromolecular imaging agents. Finally, opportunities offered by these innovativesystems will be illustrated with some recent examples in the fields of cell labeling, diagnostic ortheranostic applications and medical devices.