Novel nanoformulation increases contrast of MRI

(Nanowerk News) Researchers produced a substance, during a research, which can be used in molecular imaging and early diagnosis of cancer. The substance has nanometric dimensions and can increase the resolution of the images ("Cellular uptake, imaging and pathotoxicological studies of a novel Gd[III]–DO3A-butrol nano-formulation").
Early diagnosis of cancer is highly vital in progress prevention of the disease and deaths caused by it. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a strong but non-aggressive tool for cancer diagnosis, which provides the opportunity to precisely diagnose the patient’s body without causing any harm.
According to Dr. Mehdi Shafi’ee Ardestani, one of the researchers, the most important achievements of the research is the production of a molecular carrier at nanometric scale that is cheaper than other materials in the market to be used for molecular imaging purposes. By producing this material, a common MRI medical substance with the ability of exterior cellular imaging has been converted into an interior cellular nano-contrast.
“When Gadoboutrol drug is attached to the surface of the dendrimer and a stronger contrast substance is formed with the ability of higher resolution and efficiency. The molecular nano-contrast is also able to enter the cell without creating noticeable toxicity. Moreover, MRI contrast increases as the rest time of the tissue increases,” the researcher said.
In simple words, the exterior cellular contrast material turns into an interior cellular one by synthesizing a nanometric biocompatible and biodegradable polymer and by loading it with the desired drug. This product has higher ability in tumor imaging and in relative treatment of cancer cells.
Source: INIC