A new MRI technique, called Nano MRI Lamp, has been developed by a team led by a renowned nanoscience scientist, Professor Jinwoo Cheon. This technology platform allows for the limitations of existing MRI contrast agents only in the presence of target diseases. Will show the magnetic resonance imaging signal.
The study was published in the February 6 issue of Nature Materials, the author of the article, Professor Cheon in the biological applications, as well as the design of inorganic nanoparticles in the field of synthesis has made a significant impact in the work has been well-known international publications Published on more than 100 articles, cited nearly 8,000 times.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), first used in the human body in 1977, has become an increasingly popular non-invasive diagnostic technique, a major advantage of this technology is not harmful radiation. MRI can be used to see the natural contrast of some tissue, but in some special types of imaging, MRI contrast agents need to be administered to the patient to increase the difference between the target area and the remainder of the body.
"A typical MRI contrast agent, such as gadolinium, is injected into the human body and distributed throughout the biological system, with relatively large background signals," says Professor Cheon. "We have found a new method that can only target The location of the target opens the MRI contrast signal.
The new technology Nano MRI Lamp consists of two magnetic materials: quenchers (magnetic nanoparticles) and enhancers (MRI contrast agents). The MRI signal is "ON" when the critical distance between the two materials is greater than 7 nm, and "OFF" when the distance is less than 7 nm, depending on the distance between the two. The researchers call this phenomenon Magnetic Resonance Tuning (MRET), which is similar to the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) optical sensing technology.
The researchers tested this new technology platform in cancer diagnosis by detecting an enzyme that induces cancer metastasis in cancer mice: MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase 2), linked by a natural cleavage of MMP-2 linker The MRI signals are "OFF" when the two materials are close to each other, and the MMP-2 is cut off when the cancer is present, resulting in the separation of the two materials, and the MRI signal switches to "ON" ". Therefore, the MRI signal can indicate the location of MMP-2 and tumor, in addition, scientists also found that the brightness of the MRI signal and cancer tissue MMP-2 concentration.
More importantly, Nano MRI Lamps are more sensitive when confronted with biomarkers associated with a particular disease, so "the current contrast agent is as effective as a flashlight on a sunny day, The new technology is like using a flash at night, so it's more useful, "Cheon explains.
In addition to cancer diagnosis, Nano MRI Lamp can theoretically be used to study a variety of biological events, such as enzymatic hydrolysis, pH change, protein-protein interaction, the researchers hope that it can be used for in vitro and in vivo diagnostic .
"While we have a long way to go, but we have established this theory, and we believe that MRET and Nano MRI Lamp can be used as a new sensing principle, the expansion of the biological system "This group is currently developing safer and smarter multitasking contrast agents that can simultaneously record and interpret multiple biological targets and ultimately help us better understand biological processes and more accurately diagnose disease.