Micro- and Nanoengineering Novel MRI Contrast Agents for Biomedical Sensing and Imaging

用于生物医学传感和成像的微纳米工程新型 MRI 造影剂

• 批准号: 1202304
• 负责人: Xin Zhang
• 金额: $ 33.57万
• 依托单位: Trustees of Boston University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2012-07-01 至 2017-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1202304&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Micro; Nanoengineering; Novel; MRI; Contrast

The objective of this research is to develop a biocompatible, fabricated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent platform with novel properties, including sensory capability, and potential for wide application to biomedical research. The approach is to employ both top-down and self assembly approaches, incorporating environmentally responsive materials, to develop a class of contrast agents which address major limitations of currently available agents.This project addresses the development of next generation MRI contrast agents using micro- and nanofabrication techniques incorporating biocompatible magnetic materials to develop a series of geometrically precise, particulate contrast agents yielding distinct spectral signatures with multiplexing capability. In addition, the incorporation of biocompatible hydrogels, tunable to respond to myriad environmental stimuli, into the fabrication process will yield in vivo biological sensing capability.The broader impact of the proposed MRI contrast agents includes an expanded role of MRI in biomedical applications from the bench to the bedside. Multiplexed imaging, paired with an in vivo sensing capability, would dramatically potentiate the study of myriad diseases using MRI. In addition to the research impact, this project offers a rich potential for educating pre-college, undergraduate and graduate students given its multidisciplinary nature, integrating materials science, micro- and nanofabrication techniques, as well as imaging science and a focus on biomedical application. Finally, the investigators will take part in Boston University's Summer High School Honors Program to mentor high school students on this project, a unique opportunity to expose the top students from across the country to a rich, interdisciplinary educational experience.

本研究的目标是开发一种生物相容的、制造的磁共振成像(MRI)造影剂平台，具有包括传感能力在内的新特性，并具有广泛应用于生物医学研究的潜力。该方法是采用自顶向下和自组装的方法，结合环境响应材料，开发一类造影剂，以解决目前可用的造影剂的主要限制。本项目致力于开发下一代磁共振造影剂，使用微和纳米制造技术，结合生物兼容的磁性材料，开发一系列几何精确的颗粒造影剂，产生具有多路复用能力的明显光谱特征。此外，在制造过程中加入生物相容性水凝胶，可调节对各种环境刺激的反应，将产生体内生物传感能力。建议的磁共振造影剂的更广泛影响包括扩大磁共振在生物医学应用中的作用，从工作台到床边。多路成像与体内传感能力相结合，将极大地加强使用MRI对无数疾病的研究。除了研究影响，该项目还提供了培养大学预科、本科生和研究生的巨大潜力，因为它具有多学科性质，整合了材料科学、微米和纳米制造技术，以及成像科学，并侧重于生物医学应用。最后，调查人员将参加波士顿大学的暑期高中荣誉计划，指导高中生参与这个项目，这是一个独特的机会，让全国各地的尖子生接触到丰富的跨学科教育体验。