MRI is a powerful technique for biomedical diagnosis, which is usually used nuclear magnetic resonance of hydrogen atoms (protons). When the scanner magnetic field is created that builds the protons of hydrogen atoms in a magnetic field in the process of exposure to radio waves.
Some studies require the use of contrast agents to increase accuracy and informativity of the image. Contrast signal in MRI depends mainly on the degree of change in the longitudinal or transverse relaxation times. The relaxation time is the time at which the protons return to equilibrium. It depends on the surrounding proton of molecules and atoms and various healthy and diseased tissues.
In some cases, the pathology can be determined by means of contrast agents, which locally modify the relaxation times of the diseased tissue. The combination of MRI and contrast agents increases the possibility of images of inflammation, such as tumor angiogenesis in Oncology.
In NRNU MEPhI developed a new type of contrast agent based on silicon nanoparticles, which allows to combine therapy and diagnostics. According to Professor IFIB NRNU MEPhI and the Moscow state University. M. V. Lomonosov Viktor Tymoshenko, is an example of the development nanotechnology – combinations of methods of diagnosis and treatment in the nanometer scale.
Theranostics agents for MRI involve the combination of contrast agents with therapy, which is carried out by allocating nanocapsulation medications and/or exposure to additional physical fields or radiation. «Because MRI is widely used in oncodiagnostics, the development of a new type of contrast agent, which can also be used for gentle therapy of oncological diseases is very important for modern medicine,» says Viktor Tymoshenko.
Nanotechnology materials should be non-toxic and compatible with the human body. Another essential property is «invisible» for the immune system – otherwise it would just destroy them. Also, the nanoparticles cannot accumulate in the body, and the surface should not be contaminated.
According to the representatives of the laboratory «Nanotechnology» Engineering physics Institute of Biomedicine (ITIB) NRNU MEPhI, the use of silicon nanoparticles for the detection of affected cells is one of the most promising methods nanotechnology cancer. These nanoparticles themselves are not harmful, but can under the influence of radio waves to heat up to a temperature of or above 42° C (this is called hyperthermia), which provides local destruction of cancer cells.
https://chelorg.com/2018/07/16/scientists-due-to-the-mri-it-will-be-possible-not-only-to-diagnose-bu...
