Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120271159 | CEST Phase and Magnitude Imaging Using a Multi-Parametric Varied Saturation Scheme - An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method for obtaining a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or spectrum. The method includes a step of performing a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) or magnetization transfer (MT) magnetic labeling experiment of a subject using an MRI machine. When performing the CEST or MT magnetic labeling experiment aspects of a saturation pulse or a serial saturation pulse sequence, such as length (t | 10-25-2012 |
20150086484 | Lipid-Based Drug Carriers for Rapid Penetration Through Mucus Linings - Mucus-penetrating liposomal nanoparticles and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The nanoparticles contain one or more lipids, one or more PEG-conjugated lipids, and optionally one or more additional materials that physically and/or chemically stabilize the particles. The nanoparticle have an average diameter of about 100 nm to about 300 nm, preferably from about 100 nm to about 250 nm, more preferably from about 100 nm to about 200 nm. The particles are mobile in mucus. The liposomes can further contain one or more therapeutic, prophylactic, and/or diagnostic agent to be delivered to a mucosal surface, such as the CV tract, the colon, the nose, the lungs, and/or the eyes. The liposomes can further contain one or more CEST agents to allow real time imaging of the particles in a live animal. The particles may also further contain an imaging agent, such as a fluorescent label. | 03-26-2015 |
20150133768 | USE OF NON-METALLIC CEST AGENTS FOR MRI MONITORING OF NANOPARTICLE DELIVERY - The present invention includes drug-loaded, polymer nanoparticles and liposomes further incorporating a non-paramagnetic, bioorganic CEST agent. The CEST agent allows for an alternative approach to accomplish MR-compatible in vivo tracking of drug-loaded polymer nanoparticles and liposomes, including simultaneous multi-color mapping of more than one particle type, or of the same particle type delivered via two different routes (e.g., systemic versus local). Additionally, the present invention can include a library of biodegradable diamagnetic (DIA)CEST agents. These DIACEST agents can be incorporated into nanoparticle-based delivery systems, such as stealth liposomes loaded with doxorubicin and stealth polymer nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel. These systems can be tracked, according to an embodiment of the present invention using CEST-based MRI (compared to SPECT/CT) as a method to monitor the efficiency with which the nanoparticles reach the targeted tumors and how long they persist. Measured particle persistence times are also used to guide the spacing between doses. | 05-14-2015 |
20150247908 | Non-Invasive Temperature Mapping Using Temperature-Responsive Water Saturation Shift Referencing (T-WASSR) MRI - An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method of non-invasively detecting and imaging temperature or temperature changes by assessing the temperature induced shifts in the saturation spectrum of water using MRI, namely saturation shift referencing. This procedure includes the MRI procedures to assess water saturation spectrum and the data processing steps to determine the temperature induced shifts of water resonance frequency and consequently to estimate the temperature change. This procedure also includes the procedure of assessing fat saturation spectrum and estimating fat resonance frequency. This method can be used as a clinical procedure for temperature mapping in multiple applications, especially where a significant amount of fat is present. One application is to monitor the temperature of the targeted tumor and its surrounding tissues during the procedure of hyperthermia. Such local hyperthermia can be applied, using high-intensity focus-ultrasound for deep-seated tissues or heating supplies for superficial tissues. | 09-03-2015 |
20160075667 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR CHEMICAL EXCHANGE SATURATION TRANSFER (CEST) MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) - The invention features novel heterocyclic compounds that are useful as MRI contrast agents. Specifically, the invention relates to a novel class of MRI contrast agents that produce significantly improved contrast in MR images that is detectable through chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) or frequency labeled exchange (FLEX) imaging. The MRI contrast agents of the invention include those delineated in the formulae provided herein. The invention also relates to various methods in which the MRI contrast agents are employed. Kits and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are also provided. | 03-17-2016 |
20160082132 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR CHEMICAL EXCHANGE SATURATION TRANSFER (CEST) BASED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) - Compositions and methods for chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or frequency labeled exchange (FLEX) imaging are disclosed. Beta-hydroxycarboxylate and beta-aminocarboxylate derivatives including salicylic acid, salicylates, salicylic acid prodrugs, N-alkyl/aryl/acyl/sulfonyl-anthranilic acid analogs, and any aromatic compound with OH/NH group ortho to the carboxylic acid group are disclosed. Such compounds can be used as general MRI organic contrast agents and produce significantly improved contrast in MR images detectable through CEST or FLEX. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082133 | CHEMICAL EXCHANGE SATURATION TRANSFER (CEST) BASED MRI USING REPORTER GENES AND SUBSTRATES AND METHODS THEREOF - The present invention features polypeptide or protein based reporters, wherein the MRI contrast is generated by the protein itself, and methods, MRI systems and MRI imaging kits related thereto. The present invention also features enzyme based reporters, wherein the contrast is generated by the substrate/product of an enzyme, and methods, MRI systems and MRI imaging kits related thereto. | 03-24-2016 |
20160091443 | NON-INVASIVE SENSING OF FREE METAL IONS USING ION CHEMICAL EXCHANGE SATURATION TRANSFER - The invention features a novel non-invasive approach for imaging, detecting and/or sensing metal ions with improved sensitivity and specificity in a biological sample or tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a MR contrast-based approach for imaging, detecting and/or sensing metal ions in the biological sample/tissue containing various background ions by using 19F-based chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) technique. | 03-31-2016 |
20160106871 | NOVEL PEPTIDE HYDROGELS GENERATING CHEMICAL EXCHANGE SATURATION TRANSFER MRI CONTRAST AND USES THEREOF - The present invention provides novel hydrogels through peptides, which are designed to self-assemble and produce magnetic resonance (MR) contrast through chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The location and integrity of these gels could consequently be tracked using MR imaging. The self-assembly of the peptides into hydrogels can be brought about by a change in pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of ions. | 04-21-2016 |