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Coated Metallic Nanoclusters without Carrier Molecule

Nanocluster agents that enable imaging through cyanine dyes and/or photosensitizers without the need for additional carrier molecules.

Problem:

There is a need for visual inspection and feedback before and during surgery for removing tumors and cancerous cells from surrounding healthy tissue. Better visualization can lead to better prognosis because more of the tumor will be removed during surgery.

Solution:

The inventors have developed nanoclusters that are stable and detectable on MRI, fluorescence, and photoacoustic imaging. These nanoclusters, containing three or more metallic nanoparticles, are stable under physiologic conditions and can be taken up by tumors for strong visualization before and during surgery.

Technology:

The nanoclusters are formed via an oil-in-water emulsion, with three or more metallic nanoclusters. These nanoclusters are coated with contrast agents comprised of FDA-approved components that can be used with MRI and photoacoustic imaging to better visualize target tumors for resection. The coating agent acts as a solubilizing agent – therefore no carrier molecule is needed.

Advantages:

Nanoclusters are comprised of clinically tested materials, allowing for rapid clinical translation
No carrier material needed
Nanoclusters are compatible with multimodal imaging
Can be translated to cost-effective, large-scale manufacturing

Figure: A). Iron oxide nanoparticles are self-assembled using a microemulsion techniqu stabilized using indocyanine green, an amphiphilic dye. In (B), dynamic light scattering ISCs with size distribution by intensity percentage in water. TEM demonstrates spheric packed clusters with SPIO-NP cores. In (C), particle size based on mean intensity meas over 8 days in water at 25°C. In (D), magnetic resonance relaxometry measurements o (E), photoacoustic phantom of ISCs demonstrated increased photoacoustic intensity w concentration.