There are several types of targeted contrast agents used in histology:
Antibody-Based Agents: These agents use antibodies that specifically bind to antigens on the target cells. Peptide-Based Agents: Peptides, which are short chains of amino acids, can be designed to bind to specific receptors or proteins. Nanoparticle-Based Agents: Nanoparticles can be engineered to deliver contrast agents directly to the target site, improving both specificity and imaging resolution. Small Molecule Agents: These are low molecular weight compounds that can penetrate tissues more easily and bind to specific cellular targets.