Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a widely used non-invasive diagnostic technique, commonly relying on proton imaging and contrast agents based on organometallic compounds. However, this approach suffers from high background signals in the human body and limited molecular specificity.
Fluorine-19 (¹⁹F) MRI has emerged as a promising alternative due to its ability to provide background-free and highly specific imaging. Nevertheless, the development of effective ¹⁹F contrast agents remains challenging. High fluorine content is required to achieve strong signal intensity, but this often leads to aggregation, poor water solubility, and low biocompatibility, raising safety concerns.
To address these limitations, researchers from the University of the Basque Country (EHU) have developed a novel fluorinated gelatin-based contrast agent that enables high-quality ¹⁹F MRI while improving biocompatibility, biodegradability, and overall performance.
The technology is based on biodegradable gelatin chains or nanoparticles chemically functionalized with perfluoro-tert-butoxy groups. These fluorinated moieties are attached via flexible linkers that ensure water solubility and maintain high fluorine mobility without causing aggregation. This structure yields optimal relaxation times, enabling high-resolution ¹⁹F MRI.
Designed for intravenous administration, the agent is intended to safely biodegrade and clear from the body after imaging.
The contrast agent has been validated at a laboratory scale, including synthesis, nanoparticle formation, physicochemical characterization, and ¹⁹F NMR measurements demonstrating the favorable relaxation properties of the system.
Benefits:
- Highly specific and quantitative MRI with low background noise.
- High-quality and high-resolution images thanks to very long T values.
- Made with gelatin, a biocompatible and biodegradable
- It is removed metabolically, reducing the risk associated with long-term accumulation.
- Gelatin is an inexpensive and widely available raw material.
- Versatile platform suitable for further development in advanced imaging or theragnostics.
The represented institution is looking for a collaboration that leads to the commercial exploitation of the presented invention.
Institution: Universidad del País Vasco (EHU)
TRL: 3
Protection Status: European Patent Application
Contact: Nuria Bas / nuria@viromii.com
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