ICMAB has developed a new dendrimer that can be used as a contrast agent (CA) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This new CA is non-toxic and it is expelled from live tissues in hours, making it the best option when periodical MRI tests are needed.
has developed a new contrast agent (CA) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The inventors have expertise in developing new dendrimers for biological applications.
MRI is a well-known imaging technique for non-invasive medical diagnosis and follow-up. CA provides images of different tissues, tumours and related pathological conditions of the same tissue in excellent detail due to their enhanced different brightness.
The most widely used CAs are based on metal ions like gadolinium (Gd III). Gd can be considered as a toxic metal, it accumulates in some tissues (brain, bones, kidneys, etc.) and there is a relation between Gd administration and the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
The new CA is a dendrimer with proxyl radicals. It is a Gd free non-toxic molecule with high solubility in biological fluids, long term contrast activity and it is expelled in hours from live tissues without accumulating in any of them.
The characterístics of the new CA make it the ideal option when repeated MRI tests are needed.
The advantatges of the technology are:
- Metal free non-toxic CA based on a dendrimer with proxyl radicals.
- Non accumulation of CA in tissues, fastly expelled and easily degradated.
- Same contrast as Gd based CAs with 4 times less concentration.
-Allows repeated imaging studies without health negative effects.
Current development status
Laboratory prototypes
Applications
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent
Desired business relationship
Patent licensing
Technology development
The Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB) is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence research center which beongs to the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and is governed by a Foundation board.
The Institute was set up in 1987 and subsequently, in April 1991, the laboratories were opened at the Campus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). It is part of the Barcelona Nanotechnology Cluster in Bellaterra.
The aim of the institute is to carry out research aimed at obtaining and characterising materials of industrial interest. Its activities are based on the synthesis, preparation, crystallization and characterisation of functional high-performance materials and nanomaterials, which in some cases have led to the construction of device prototypes based on these materials.
Studies and improvements both of conventional materials, as well as new molecular, supramolecular, magnetic, superconducting and porous materials etc. are being developed through projects and research contracts. There are currently 9 ERC funded projects at ICMAB.
To develop these activities, at present there are 57 permanent staff among researchers and back up personnel together with 80 non-permanent staff divided into eight researgh groups, one general unit service, and one unit of Scientific and Technological Services.
In 2016 the ICMAB reached the 100.000 citations, and it is currently the first centre, among the CSIC centres, in the Nature Index. Each permanent researcher publishes close to 5 articles per year in Journals with a very high impact factor.
Create your free account to connect with Alfonso del Rey Pérez and thousands of other innovative organizations and professionals worldwide
Send a request for information
to Alfonso
Technology Offers on Innoget are directly posted
and managed by its members as well as evaluation of requests for information. Innoget is the trusted open innovation and science network aimed at directly connect industry needs with professionals online.
Need help requesting additional information or have questions regarding this Technology Offer?
Contact Innoget support
