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

本研究的目的是开发一种具有生物相容性的人造磁共振成像（MRI）造影剂平台，该平台具有新颖的性能，包括感官能力，以及在生物医学研究中的广泛应用潜力。方法是采用自顶向下和自组装方法，结合环境反应材料，开发一类造影剂，解决目前可用的造影剂的主要局限性。该项目致力于下一代MRI造影剂的开发，利用微纳米制造技术，结合生物相容性磁性材料，开发一系列几何上精确的颗粒造影剂，产生具有多路复用能力的独特光谱特征。此外，在制造过程中加入生物相容性水凝胶，可调节对无数环境刺激的反应，将产生体内生物传感能力。拟议的MRI造影剂的更广泛影响包括MRI在生物医学应用中的扩展作用，从工作台到床边。多路成像与体内传感能力相结合，将极大地增强MRI对无数疾病的研究。除了研究影响外，该项目还为大学预科、本科生和研究生的教育提供了丰富的潜力，因为它具有多学科性质，整合了材料科学、微纳米制造技术、成像科学和生物医学应用。最后，研究人员将参加波士顿大学的暑期高中荣誉项目，指导高中生进行这个项目，这是一个独特的机会，让来自全国各地的优秀学生接触到丰富的跨学科教育经验。

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.