National University of Singapore researchers created a nanodiamond-based contrast agent that can enhance internal body structures' visibility during magnetic resonance imaging.
Here's what you should know.
1. Cancer Science Institute of Singapore Principal Investigator Edward Chow, PhD, and colleagues developed this dual-mode contrast agent to improve visualization in both R1- and T2-weighted images at low dosages.
2. The agent provides greater imaging contrast than existing agents used to improve MRI quality.
3. The contrast agent utilizes nanodiamonds chemical properties to attract water molecules, promoting proton exchange between the molecules and paramagnetic ions. This process enhances the imaging.
4. Dr. Chow said, "Our experiments suggest that our dual-mode contrast agent holds great promise in improving imaging for liver cancer. We are hopeful that this advancement in nanomedicine will lead to safer and more accurate diagnosis of liver cancer."
5. The researchers are planning pre-clinical safety studies. The end goal is clinical implementation.