Technology ID
TAB-2898

Octopod (8-Pointed Star) Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Enhance MRI T2 Contrast

E-Numbers
E-314-2013-0
Lead Inventor
Chen, Xiaoyuan (Shawn) (NIBIB)
Co-Inventors
Gao, Jinhao (Xiamen University)
Zhao, Zhenghuan (Xiamen University)
Applications
Therapeutics
Software / Apps
Research Materials
Non-Medical Devices
Medical Devices
Diagnostics
Consumer Products
Therapeutic Areas
Oncology
Cardiology
Development Stages
Pre-Clinical (in vitro)
Development Status
In vivo data available (animal)
Lead IC
NIBIB
ICs
NIBIB
The octopod-shaped iron oxide nanoparticles of this technology significantly enhance contrast in MRI imaging compared to spherical superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle T2 contrast agents. These octopod iron oxide nanoparticles show a transverse relaxivity that is over five times greater than comparable spherical agents. Because the unique octopod shape creates a greater effective radius than spherical agents, but maintains similar magnetization properties, the relaxation rate is improved. The improved relaxation rate greatly enhances the contrast of images. These octopod agents appear to be bio-compatible and may be suitable for intravenous delivery. The synthesis of these agents is also easily reproducible and scaled. The superior contrast greatly improves diagnostic sensitivities, compared to current FDA approved spherical contrast agents. These octopod-shaped iron oxide nanoparticle T2 contrast agents may have a number of medical imaging uses, such as tumor detection, atherosclerosis imaging and delivery of therapeutic treatments.
Commercial Applications
  • Medical imaging, such as tumor detection, atherosclerosis imaging and delivery of therapeutic treatments.
Competitive Advantages
  • Enhanced T2 contrast
  • Reproducible and scalable synthesis
  • Improved imaging and diagnostic capability
Licensing Contact:
Shmilovich, Michael
shmilovm@nih.gov