Nano-Fuel Cell MRI Contrast Agent for Tumor Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI contrast agents are inadequate for visualizing tumor cells, as they fail to effectively associate with membrane proteins like PSMA, necessitating the use of costly and laborious PET-MRI apparatus for diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A nano-fuel cell coupled with a ligand for specific binding to cell membranes, utilizing an anode and cathode compartment with redox-reaction catalyzing hollow particles and bio-compatible components, generates a modulated current visible under MRI, allowing for targeted tumor visualization without radioactive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI contrast agents are used, then MRI imaging can be performed, but they fail to effectively associate with membrane proteins like PSMA, resulting in insufficient tumor visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The contrast agent combines multiple functional components: a ligand for specific binding to membrane proteins (e.g., PSMA), a carrier molecule for stability and targeting, and MRI-active contrast agent molecules. This composite structure enables both specific tumor cell binding and detectable MRI signal, resolving the contradiction between association reliability and visualization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The contrast agent performs multiple functions simultaneously: (1) specific binding to tumor cell membrane proteins via the ligand, (2) providing MRI contrast through paramagnetic or superparamagnetic properties, and (3) enabling tumor visualization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate targeting and imaging components, achieving both reliable association and precise measurement
2Measurement precision
If PET-CT technology is used for tumor visualization, then adequate tumor detection is achieved, but the apparatus and method become costly and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a MRI-based copy of the successful PET-CT tumor visualization approach by using ligand-targeted contrast agents that specifically bind to tumor membrane proteins. This allows MRI to replicate the tumor detection capability of PET-CT without requiring radioactive isotopes or complex hybrid imaging systems, achieving adequate tumor detection with simpler, more cost-effective MRI equipment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables sharper and safer tumor visualization in MRI scans, eliminating the need for PET-CT technologies and providing a non-invasive method for tumor detection and potential treatment through electrocution.
Implementation Method 1
the hollow particles comprise entrapped therein a redox-reaction for catalyzing an enzymatic conversion of a substrate in said hollow particles thereby liberating electrons
Implementation Method 2
a redox-reaction for catalyzing an enzymatic conversion of a substrate in said hollow particles thereby liberating electrons
Implementation Method 3
the fuel cells selectively localized onto the tumor surface discharge a heartbeat rate modulated current through the tumor membrane/tissue. Such current generates sufficiently strong localized modulated magnetic field, which locally disrupts the magnetic field within the MRI and therefore becomes visible
Implementation Method 4
at least one ligand for specific binding to a cell membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A contrast agent for MRI imaging diagnostics. The contrast agent is comprised of a nano-fuel cell coupled to at least one ligand for specific binding to a cell membrane. An imaging method for the visualisation of tumor cells using the contrast agent and a method for non invasive treatment of tumor cells using the contrast agent.