NOVA-MRI · Novel Applications in 19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Novel Applications in 19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a leading clinical diagnostic technique that is able to provide whole body imaging, and when individual cells are imaged in living animals, it can provide new insights into the biology of cell trafficking and migration. For cells to be visualized by MRI, they generally must be labelled to enable their discrimination from surrounding tissue. Problem/issue being addressed : Currently the agents of choice are gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). Until recently, these contrast agents were considered historically safe and well tolerated. However, they have been found to accumulate in various tissues of patients who do not have renal impairment, including bone, brain and kidneys. Also, in 2015 the FDA released a new safety announcement regarding GBCAs and the risk of accumulated deposits in the brain following repeated use. This led to the search for a new generation of safer MRI contrast reagents using perfluorocarbon (19F) being incorporated inside smart nanoparticles, which can offer unique quantitative signatures for molecular MRI with no competing background signal. Importance for society: The goal of NOVA-MRI is to produce the next generation of MRI contrast agents, based on nanomaterials, which can provide sensitive detection during scanning and will lack the safety issues around currently established contrast agents like GBCAs. There is negligible endogenous 19F MRI signal from the body since the physiological concentrations of detectable mobile fluorine are below the detection limit. This lack of background signal means that the use of fluorinated compounds can potentially provide both high sensitivity (high signal-to-noise ratio) and specificity. Overall objectives: 1) The training of a new generation of researchers in the field of imaging of cell-based inflammation with 19F MRI through individual research projects, sharing all the same main challenges, intra- and intersectoral secondments, local, and network-wide training. 2) Completion of all ESR projects with focus on the development of i) Nanomaterials and PFC contrast reagents for 19F MRI, ii) Development of dual modality (optical and 19F) fluorophore and PFC-NE (nano-emulsion) imaging, iii) Development of novel 19F MRI applications relevant for clinical translation. 3) The creation of an efficient network of researchers from academia and industry, working closely together towards the success of NOVA-MRI that will be reflected by the foreseen dissemination, outreach, and communication activities. 4) To ensure effective and appropriate management and coordination of NOVA-MRI and adopting an interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach through the composition of this expert consortium together with the associated partners.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union