Paramagnetic Metal-Nanodiamond Conjugates for MRI Contrast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nanoparticle applications in clinical settings face challenges in tracking nanoparticle localization and movement in vivo due to limitations in imaging techniques, particularly with carbon-based nanomaterials like fullerenes and nanotubes, which suffer from tissue penetration issues and biocompatibility concerns.

Innovation Solution

The development of paramagnetic metal-nanodiamond conjugates, where gadolinium-based complexes are covalently attached to nanodiamonds, enabling magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a non-invasive technique for visualizing these particles within biological systems, overcoming the limitations of optical imaging and enhancing contrast through altered relaxation times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If optical imaging with fluorescence spectroscopy is used to image nanodiamond particles, then histological applications are enabled, but tissue penetration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidtissue penetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the imaging modality from optical (fluorescence) to magnetic resonance imaging by coupling paramagnetic metal ions to nanodiamonds. This parameter change enables deep tissue penetration while maintaining imaging capability, as MRI can penetrate deep into tissues unlike optical imaging which is limited to superficial histological applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes optical imaging mechanisms with magnetic resonance imaging mechanisms. By replacing the optical detection system with a magnetic field-based MRI system, the invention overcomes the tissue penetration limitations of optical methods while maintaining the ability to image nanodiamond particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If carbon-based nanomaterials like fullerenes and nanotubes are used, then biosensor and drug delivery applications are enabled, but biocompatibility remains in question

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication rangeVSAvoidbiocompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material by coupling paramagnetic metal ions to nanodiamonds. This composite approach combines the biocompatibility of nanodiamonds with the imaging capabilities of paramagnetic metals, achieving both versatility in application and improved biocompatibility compared to using carbon-based nanomaterials alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The nanodiamond acts as an intermediary carrier that delivers paramagnetic metal ions to target sites. This intermediary approach allows the use of paramagnetic metals for imaging while the nanodiamond provides the biocompatible platform, resolving the biocompatibility concerns associated with direct use of carbon-based nanomaterials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If nanoparticle localization and movement tracking is attempted in vivo, then monitoring capability is improved, but imaging technique limitations prevent effective tracking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking precisionVSAvoiddetection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from optical signals to magnetic resonance signals. This parameter change enables precise tracking of nanoparticle localization and movement in vivo, as MRI provides superior detection capability deep within tissues compared to optical imaging methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The paramagnetic metal-nanodiamond conjugates provide enhanced contrast and deep tissue penetration in MRI, allowing for effective tracking and visualization of nanoparticles in vivo, significantly improving the ability to monitor their localization and movement within biological systems.

Implementation Method 1

paramagnetic metal ion complexes coupled to a nanodiamond... enabling magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a non-invasive technique for visualizing these particles within biological systems, overcoming the limitations of optical imaging and enhancing contrast through altered relaxation times

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParamagnetic relaxation enhancement: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9125942B2Paramagnetic metal-nanodiamond conjugates

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 NORTHWESTERN UNIV

AI summary

The present invention provides compositions and methods for the synthesis of conjugates of paramagnetic metal ions and nanodiamonds, and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention provides synthesis of paramagnetic metal-nanodiamond conjugates and methods using such compositions as molecular imaging probes.