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LipoCEST and cellCEST imaging agents: opportunities and challenges
Giuseppe Ferrauto1, Daniela Delli Castelli1, Enza Di Gregorio1
1Molecular & Preclinical Imaging Centers, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology
|January 27, 2016
Summary
Researchers enhanced chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast agents using liposomes (lipoCEST) and cells (cellCEST). These nanomedicine approaches significantly improve sensitivity for in vivo applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) agents have low sensitivity for in vivo applications.
- Nanosized systems offer a strategy to deliver a high concentration of CEST agents.
- LipoCEST agents, utilizing liposomes loaded with shift reagents, represent a breakthrough in sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the sensitivity of CEST agents for improved in vivo applications.
- To explore the development of lipoCEST and cellCEST probes.
- To design novel agents for theranostic applications.
Main Methods:
- Loading liposomes with paramagnetic lanthanide-based shift reagents to create lipoCEST probes.
- Utilizing cellular water molecules as a source for CEST effects by loading cells with shift reagents (cellCEST).
- Developing lipoCEST/RBC aggregates for theranostic purposes.
Main Results:
- LipoCEST agents demonstrate significantly increased sensitivity due to entrapped water molecules and shift reagents.
- CellCEST, particularly using red blood cells (RBCs), effectively exploits cytoplasmic water for CEST contrast.
- Understanding CEST determinants enabled the design of advanced lipoCEST/RBC aggregates.
Conclusions:
- LipoCEST and cellCEST represent significant advancements in CEST imaging sensitivity.
- Red blood cells are highly suitable for cellCEST development.
- Novel lipoCEST/RBC aggregates hold promise for future theranostic applications.
