Event Information
Unique contributions of iDQC MR contrast to stimuli-sensitive liposomal chemotherapy and imaging
- Abstract:
Liposomes are excellent chemotherapy drug delivery agents on the cutting edge cancer treatment technology. Since liposomes are already used to deploy cancer drugs in patients, they are an exciting target for magnetic resonance imaging. Intermolecular double quantum coherence (iDQC) imaging has unique possibilities here, as iDQC contrast does not require any additional chemicals, which is potentially time-consuming or toxic, and could adversely affect drug loading. Furthermore, iDQC contrast measures diffusion and thus membrane properties. In this set of experiments, it has been shown that iDQC signal from intra-liposomal water can be distinguished from that of bulk water, and that the T2 dynamics of liposomes are predictable and dependent on the percent of water encapsulated. These techniques to distinguish between water molecules based on their circumstances leads to many novel possibilities in MR imaging, as nearly all the signal in conventional MRI is from water protons. Based on the signal to noise ratio in the iDQC experiments, we predict that iDQC contrast from liposomes will be visible in vivo, and propose to prove this in a murine model. By examining intra-liposomal water, iDQC can be used to improve chemotherapy via real time monitoring of liposome location and drug release.
Preliminary Examination Seminar
Student Exams Seminar