Medical Imaging

The development of appropriate imaging techniques is one of the key aspects for detecting diseases at the earliest possible time, for treating them with the right dose at the right place and time, and for studying the course of the disease. One of the most important imaging tools in this regard is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Contrast agents are needed to significantly increase the contrast in MRI and expand its scope. Common MRI contrast agents are based on gadolinium, but since this is a toxic element, alternatives to these contrast agents are currently being sought. In the form we have developed, however, SPIONs with cross-linked dextran coating represent a serious alternative for an in vivo applied contrast agent. In the long term, our goal is to open up further areas of application through functional imaging: By modifying the nanoparticles and thus specifically further functionalizing their surface, they can be used to image different tumors in the body. In particular, this includes areas that can hardly be covered by current gadolinium-based contrast agents. In addition, we are also currently using SPIONs as contrast agents for a new imaging modality called Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI). MPI has two advantages: the generation of a high-resolution, three-dimensional image and the very accurate measurement of nanoparticle accumulation in the target area. In addition, our research group is investigating extending the theranostic approach to nanoparticle imaging using ultrasound. Initial successes show that this relatively inexpensive method - compared to MRI and MPI - can not only image the nanoparticles, but that it may even be possible to quantify them.

Project goal
The aim of the work is to investigate ultrasound methods for the detection of magnetic nanoparticles. Here, the particles will be investigated not only for visualization and quantitative imaging of their spatial distributions and time courses in the context of drug delivery concepts for localized chemotherapy, but also in the application of magnetic hyperthermia. If the preliminary experiments, which have been encouraging so far, can be further refined, the use of ultrasound would in the long term represent a favorable method available in most clinics.

Collaboration partners

• Prof. Dr. Stefan Rupitsch, FAU
• Prof. Dr. Helmut Ermert, Ruhr-Uni Bochum

Project goal
In this project, the upscaling and further development of the synthesis of iron oxide based MRI contrast agents will be established while maintaining the key properties of the system (stability, contrast and biocompatibility). The complete manufacturing process will be expanded to a total volume of 15 liters during the project phase.

Project goal
This project is designed to compare our particles for MRI imaging with commercially available SPIONs, namely Feraheme® and Resovist®. Extensive toxicological and immunological studies will be performed. In addition, in vitro and in vivo MRI studies in rats will be used to compare imaging properties and safety studies regarding hypersensitivity reactions will be performed in the porcine model to facilitate the approval process with the relevant authorities. 

Collaboration partners

• Dr. János Szebeni, Semmelweis University; SeroScience Ltd., Budapest, Hungary
• Dr. Domokos Mathe, CROmed Ltd., Budapest, Hungary

Project goal
Our project aims to investigate a new type of SPIONs as a cell labeling agent to track mononuclear cells in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main goal is to develop a tool to monitor the transport and settlement of monocytes into atherosclerotic plaques, which promises clinical applicability. Following quality-controlled SPION synthesis, a two-step strategy will be used to achieve this goal. This includes laboratory studies focusing on human monocyte labeling and an in vivo pilot cell tracking study in an established rabbit model of atherosclerosis.

Collaboration partner

• Prof. Dr. Michael Joner, Deutsches Herzzentrum Munich
• Dr. Tobias Koppara, Uni-Klinik r. d. Isar der TU Munich

Project goal
Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a newly developed imaging method that uses magnetic nanoparticles to generate an image signal with high spatial and temporal resolution. In addition, there is also the possibility to simultaneously quantify the amount of nanoparticles using MPI. The aim of the project is therefore to test the nanoparticles developed at SEON with respect to MPI imaging properties and to modify them in such a way that they both retain their previously validated good properties in drug transport and at the same time allow optimal, quantitative diagnostic information about the accumulation and distribution in the tumor area.

Collaboration partner

• Prof. Dr. Silvio Dutz, TU Ilmenau
• Prof. Dr. Lutz Trahms, PTB Berlin