An Approach To Magnetic Resonance Imaging Based On Magnetic Nanocrystals
- Technology Benefits
- Flexible: easily tailored to be used individually or simultaneously Enhanced diagnostic images and drug delivery properties due to extended retention of the imaging/pharmaceutical agent
- Detailed Technology Description
- Multifunctional nanoparticles designed for simultaneous use in diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy.#diagnostics #detection #healthcare #imaging #therapeutics #drugdelivery
- *Abstract
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Nanoparticles have a variety of medical uses. Northwestern scientists have developed multifunctional nanoparticles that can be used for diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy at the same time. They synthesized a group of novel core-shell nanoparticles coated with a variety of bio-molecules and conjugation chemistries. By tailoring the structure and composition of the nanoconjugates, the nanoparticles may be used individually or simultaneously for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) imaging, optical fluorescent imaging, and cell membrane targeting/penetration. Specific targeting and retention of the nanoparticles can be achieved by utilizing specific bio-active components: chemical therapeutic agents, nucleic acids, peptides and proteins each have different characteristics once added to nanoparticles. Transgenic experiments using a prostate cancer mouse model have already shown that both diagnostic MRI and efficiency of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicine are enhanced when the nanoparticles are utilized for imaging and drug delivery. The nanoparticles represent a multipurpose agent that offers a novel combination of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, as well as improved applicability to current diagnostic methods with increased retention of contrast agent.
- *Inventors
- Aiguo Wu Tatjana Paunesku Gayle E. Woloschak*
- Country/Region
- USA
