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Abstract #0953

Optimized SPION Formulations for Molecular MRI of the Lung using Hyperpolarized Gases

Rosa Tamara Branca1, Simone Degan, John Nouls2, Challa Kumar3, Sanchita Biswas3, Bastiaan Driehuys2

1Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; 2Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University; 3Center for Advanced Microstructures & Devices, Louisiana State University, United States


The recently introduced combination of hyperpolarized (HP) gas MRI with targeted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) could open new avenues for MR-based molecular imaging of the lung. However, because the lungs fine capillary network readily traps particles larger than ∼10μm, it is critically important to develop stable, monodisperse SPION formulations that do not accumulate unless the pathology of interest is present. The current study was designed to evaluate the in vivo bio-distribution of several SPION formulations injected intraveinously, and to test their effects on 3He MRI in normal control mice.