X-RAY CONTRAST AGENTS

VAlue proposition

                  X-ray computed tomography (CT) is an important imaging tool that is propelled forward by innovations in contrast agents, imaging systems, image acquisition schemes and image analysis strategies.  Contrast agents attenuate x-rays by giving rise to a signal in CT images. Iodine is the most used contrast agent. However, unbound iodine is toxic. Several new contrast agents have been developed by incorporating other x-ray absorbing elements, most with relatively low sensitivity.  Several reports indicate low toxicity with Ta based nanomaterials in the biomedical milieu.

Description of Technology

This technology is tantalum oxide nanoparticles that can act as efficient x-ray contrast agents, using TaO_x nanoparticles for drug delivery, imaging and radiotherapy. The material can be chemically modified to change hydrophobicity and fluorescence. One species is highly hydrophilic and left bare for vascular/vessel imaging. Another species is moderately hydrophilic and another is hydrophobic and are encapsulated into two diverse polymeric constructs. These are promising drug delivery vehicles within which TaO_x enables the opportunity for image guided drug delivery by CT. When treated, cells maintain high viability and exhibit inconsequential Ta dissolution under both cytosolic and lysosomal conditions.

Benefits

• lower toxicity
• high contrast content

Applications

• X-ray imaging
• Medical diagnostic imaging

IP Status

US12,077,450

LICENSING RIGHTS AVAILABLE

Full licensing rights available

INVENTORs: Dr. Erik Shapiro and Dr. Shatadru Chakrovarty

Tech ID: TEC2020-0102