MRI-based microthrombi detection in stroke with polydopamine iron oxide.

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.