New protein research ‘could enable ultrasound imaging of cells and molecules’

Ultrasound scans could be enhanced to cellular and molecular levels of precision thanks to the creation of innovative new protein structures.

A team from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have created protein-shelled nanostructures called gas vesicles that reflect sound waves to exhibit new properties useful for ultrasound technologies.

They give off distinct signals that make them easy to image and can target specific cell types, as well as helping to create colour ultrasound images. Moreover, they offer Lego-style modular qualities, allowing different protein pieces on their surface to be swapped out, altering their targeting properties and making it possible to visualise multiple molecules in different colours.

Currently, ultrasound technology is mostly useful for anatomical scans, but with these gas vesicles, it could be possible to gain specific insights into the precise activity of cells and molecules deep in the body, including those associated with tumours or bacteria in the gut.

Mikhail Shapiro, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Caltech, said: "You might be able to see tumour cells versus the immune cells attacking the tumour, and thus monitor the progress of a medical treatment."

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