Protein-Based Contrast Agents for MRI
- Technology Benefits
- MonodisperseBiodegradableEasy toproduce in large quantitiesIncreased MRIintensity
- Detailed Technology Description
- Novel contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging that enhances image intensity#healthcare #MRI #imaging
- *Abstract
-
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an important diagnostic and preventative medicine tool. It is also used in laboratory research to enhance cellular and molecular biology studies. MRI depends on the use of contrast agents to visualize cells and tissues. Currently, metal ions such as gadolinium, manganese and iron are used as contrast agents, but because of their toxicity they have to be administered in a chelated state. In addition, these types of contrast agents are quickly excreted from the body. Northwestern University researchers have developed novel contrast agents that employ short protein polymers as chelators for the gadolinium ion. This is an improvement because it allows for higher contrast in the MR image. In addition, these new contrast agents are monodisperse and can be attached to additional components to enhance targeting to specific tissues or parts of a cell. Furthermore, the protein polymer backbone can be easily produced in large quantities and any changes to the backbone are easy to generate.
- *Inventors
- Annelise E. Barron*Thomas J. Meade*Lindsay S. KarfeldSteve R. Bull
- *Publications
- 1. Karfeld LS, Bull SR, DavisNE, Meade TJ, Barron AE (2007). Use of a Genetically Engineered Protein for the Designof a Multivalent MRI Contrast Agent, Bioconjugate Chem. 18: 1697-1699.2. Karfeld-Sulzer LS, WatersEA, Davis NE, Meade TJ, Barron AE (2010). Multivalent Protein Polymer MRI ContrastAgents: Controlling Relaxivity via Modulation of Amino Acid Sequence, Biomacromolecules. 11: 1429-1436.3. Karfeld-Sulzer LS, Waters EA, Khlmeir EK,Kissler H, Zhang X, Kaufman DB, Barron AE, Meade TJ (2011).Protein Polymer MRIContrast Agents: Longitudinal Analysis of Biomaterials In Vivo, Magn. Reson. Med. 65: 220-228.
- Country/Region
- USA
