C12189: Novel Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogels for MRI
Novelty:
Self-assembling peptide hydrogels that can function as non-metallic MRI contrast agents.
Value Proposition:
Currently used metallic or non-metallic MRI contrast agents have some limitations for in vivo imaging such as toxicity or difficulties in distinguishing the contrast from other sources in the images. This invention addresses these limitations by providing non-metallic, self-assembling peptide hydrogels with MRI contrast properties through chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) for MRI. Additional advantages include:
• Stable, biodegradable and non-toxic
• Hydrogels can also be used for drug delivery
• Highly tissue diffusible
• Can target and track cells in vivo
• Hydrogels may respond to various environmental factors such as pH, temperature and ion concentration
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed peptide hydrogels as a CEST MRI contrast agent that are able to self-assemble due to the position of the amino acids in the sequence. These peptide hydrogels are synthesized with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acids in addition to the incorporation of unnatural amino acids. The chemical shift difference between the exchangeable protons or heterocyclic protons on the amino acids and heterocyclic nitrogen protons on unnatural amino acids, in the peptide hydrogel, and bulk water generates the CEST contrast.
Looking for Partners:
To develop & commercialize the technology as an MRI contrasting agent.
Stage of Development:
Discovery
Data Availability:
Under CDA / NDA
Patent Status: Pending US Application US-2016-0106871
Publications/Associated Cases:
Nat Mater. 2013 Mar;12(3):268-75
