New multipurpose nanoparticle ‘detectable by six imaging types’

Scientists in the US have developed a new type of nanoparticle that opens the door for new forms of medical imaging that combine multiple technical approaches.

Created by the University at Buffalo, the nanoparticle comprises two biocompatible parts and can be detected by computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, as well as photoacoustic, fluorescence, upconversion and Cerenkov luminescence imaging.

When used to examine the lymph nodes of mice, the nanoparticle demonstrated that CT and PET scans provided the deepest tissue penetration, while photoacoustic imaging showed blood vessel details that the first two techniques missed.

The researchers believe this new nanoparticle could pave the way for the development of new hypermodal imaging systems that allow large amounts of information to be obtained using a single contrast agent. Currently, a machine capable of performing all six imaging techniques at once does not exist.

Researcher Dr Jonathan Lovell, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the university, said: "Once such systems are developed, a patient could theoretically go in for one scan with one machine instead of multiple scans with multiple machines."