Improving the X-Ray Imaging of the Vasculature of Biological Systems

SLU ID 19-021 | Nanoparticle-alginate gels for X-ray imaging of the vasculature

Background

Contrast agents are very important for vascular imaging techniques. Unstable contrast agents can lead to fuzzy imaging, misdiagnosis, and systemic toxicity. Moreover, a lack of inherent radiopaque agents has severely hindered imaging techniques.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have created novel nanoparticle-containing composite gels that show promise for improving imaging of the vasculature of biological systems using X-ray techniques. The nanoparticles have diameters between 10 nm and 500 nm, stable inorganic cores, and are water soluble.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Minimizing the difficulty in filling the entire vascular system.

• Minimizing ruptures of small vessels.

• Increasing ability to quantify vascular networks within bone.

• Minimizing the complexity of imaging vascular networks within bone.

Applications

Potential applications of this technology include improving the imaging of the vasculature of biological systems.

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking partners to further develop and commercialize this technology.