First use of methemoglobin-encapsulated liposomes as an MRI contrast agent
Researchers, including Senior Investigator Ichio Aoki from the National Institute for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), affiliated with our R&D Theme 3, demonstrated in a mouse model that encapsulating methemoglobin—an alternative blood component recognized for its safety—within lipid nanoparticles effectively enhances MRI signal intensity. Currently, gadolinium complexes are primarily used as MRI contrast agents in clinical settings; however, they cannot be administered to patients with reduced kidney function, which is common among the elderly, and they are also a concern as environmental pollutants. It has been confirmed that methemoglobin has little effect even in animal models with renal failure. This achievement was published online on April 7 in ACS Applied Bio Materials.
See the papaer abstarct from the following link:
http://change.kawasaki-net.ne.jp/en/project/performance/1095
