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Updated: May 11, 2026
Registered Bioimaging of Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Monitoring
Published on: December 9, 2010
MRI-based microthrombi detection in stroke with polydopamine iron oxide
Charlène Jacqmarcq1, Audrey Picot1, Jules Flon1
1Normandie University, UNICAEN, Université Caen Normandie, INSERM UMR-S U1237, Physiopathology and Imaging of Neurological Disorders (PhIND), GIP Cyceron, Institute Blood and Brain @ Caen-Normandie (BB@C), Caen, France.
Abstract:
In acute ischemic stroke, even when successful recanalization is obtained, downstream microcirculation may still be obstructed by microvascular thrombosis, which is associated with compromised brain reperfusion and cognitive decline. Identifying these microthrombi through non-invasive methods remains challenging. We developed the PHySIOMIC (Polydopamine Hybridized Self-assembled Iron Oxide Mussel Inspired Clusters), a MRI-based contrast agent that unmasks these microthrombi. In a mouse model of thromboembolic ischemic stroke, our findings demonstrate that the PHySIOMIC generate a distinct hypointense signal on T2*-weighted MRI in the presence of microthrombi, that correlates with the lesion areas observed 24 hours post-stroke. Our microfluidic studies reveal the role of fibrinogen in the protein corona for the thrombosis targeting properties. Finally, we observe the biodegradation and biocompatibility of these particles. This work demonstrates that the PHySIOMIC particles offer an innovative and valuable tool for non-invasive in vivo diagnosis and monitoring of microthrombi, using MRI during ischemic stroke.
Insights
New MRI contrast agents called PHySIOMIC can detect microthrombi in ischemic stroke mouse models. This breakthrough aids in diagnosing and monitoring microvascular thrombosis non-invasively.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Radiology
Background:
- Microvascular thrombosis complicates acute ischemic stroke recovery even after successful recanalization.
- Non-invasive detection of these microthrombi is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Current diagnostic methods for microthrombi are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel MRI-based contrast agent for detecting microthrombi in ischemic stroke.
- To assess the targeting and imaging capabilities of the developed agent in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Development of PHySIOMIC (Polydopamine Hybridized Self-assembled Iron Oxide Mussel Inspired Clusters), an MRI contrast agent.
- Utilizing a mouse model of thromboembolic ischemic stroke.
- Employing T2*-weighted MRI for signal detection and microfluidic studies to investigate targeting mechanisms.
Main Results:
- PHySIOMIC particles generated a distinct hypointense signal on T2*-weighted MRI in the presence of microthrombi.
- The MRI signal correlated with lesion areas 24 hours post-stroke.
- Microfluidic studies identified fibrinogen in the protein corona as key for thrombosis targeting.
Conclusions:
- PHySIOMIC particles enable non-invasive in vivo diagnosis and monitoring of microthrombi in ischemic stroke.
- The agent demonstrated biodegradation and biocompatibility.
- This represents an innovative tool for managing stroke complications.
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