Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology, the Innovation Center of Nanomedicine, and the Japan Agency for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology have come up with a new nanoparticle that can help spot tiny sites of tumor malignancy under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While MRI contrast agents for detecting tumors have been created in the past, ones that amplify the MR signal when in low pH environments, as within malignant tissue, have not existed.
The new nanoparticles consist of manganous ions (Mn2+) that are encapsulated within pH-sensitive shells made of calcium phosphate and a polymer. This shell breaks down in low pH environments and releases the manganous ions. These bind to proteins and in turn become more visible under MR imaging. The researchers believe that this technology may one day help identify tiny malignant regions that would otherwise go unnoticed and result in cancer returning to the patient.
Study in Nature Nanotechnology: A pH-activatable nanoparticle with signal-amplification capabilities for non-invasive imaging of tumour malignancy…
Via: Tokyo Tech…