Nanoparticle Diagnostic and Therapeutic Imaging
JHU REF: [C12327]
Invention novelty: Improved method for magnetic resonance imaging of diagnostic and therapeutic nano-carriers.
Value Proposition
There is an urgent need to develop simple and safe approaches to image nano-carriers in vivo over the course of treatment, which allows physicians to monitor the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and efficacy of the nano-carriers in patients. The invention exploits an MRI mechanism to detect nano-carriers in vivo for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The interior of polymeric nano-particles are typically composed of hydrophobic materials designed to encapsulate lipophilic drugs, which is problematic for loading hydrophilic diaCEST contrast agents. Thus, a method to attach the contrast agents to the surface of the nano-particle is ideal. The technology is a method for conjugating a contrast agent to the surface of a nano-particle at an optimal distance for enhanced signal detection. Other advantages of this technology include:
- the use of non-metallic contrast agents which may be less toxic and more biocompatible
- allows for simultaneous monitoring of multiple nanotherapeutics or diagnostics
- design is flexible and can be applied to a variety of particle and contrast agents
Technical Details
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a method for labeling nano-carriers of therapeutic molecules to detect/track multiple labeled nano-therapeutics in vivo using an MRI contrast mechanism, diamagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (diaCEST). diaCEST is an MRI mechanism that allows detection of a specific pool of exchangeable protons on a molecule. A representative diaCEST agent, was conjugated to the exterior surface of carboxyl nanoparticles through a linker molecule. The constructed nanoparticle could be detected with diaCEST imaging in a mouse model for colon cancer.
Looking for Partners: To develop & commercialize the technology as a method for tracking nano-therapeutics and diagnostics in vivo.
Stage of Development: Pre-clinical
Data Availability: Under CDA/NDA
Patent Status: Pending
Publication(s)/Associated Cases: WO/2014/124006; PMID: 25461289
Categories: Imaging
Keywords: nano-particle, MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, contrast agent, diaCEST, theranostics
