Specialists in non-invasive diagnostics often have to use slightly inaccurate, low contrast images. Visible substances are injected into a patient's bloodstream prior to magnetic resonance tomography scans.
These substances, including paramagnetic gadolinium particles and super-paramagnetic iron particles, allow the tomography scanner to detect affected cells and to study them in greater detail.
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But even small amounts of substances that are alien to the human body can spell potential risk. This risk has been addressed by using an injection system based on magneto-ferritin, developed by an international research team from NUST MISIS and Germany's University of Duisburg-Essen, Technical University in Munich and Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg.
The bio-compatible and hypoallergenic magneto-ferritin compound consists of endogenous human protein (ferritin) and a magnetic nucleus.
Scientists suggest intravenous magneto-ferritin injections. As the substance spreads through the bloodstream, it is captured by the targeted cells.
"Many research papers show that these tumor cells actively capture transferrin, a protein responsible for transporting iron inside the bloodstream. The same receptors can also capture magneto-ferritin. After entering the targeted cells' lysosomes, magneto-ferritin will enhance the signal further," said Olaf Wiedwald, a visiting professor from NUST MISIS' Biomedical Nanomaterials Laboratory.
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The "magnetic tag" will help boost the quality of optical and magnetic-resonance diagnostic methods, and will also allow doctors to conduct medical therapy. After detecting a pathology (where afflicted cells accumulate), doctors can treat it with an electromagnetic field or beams of light. Malignant tumors heat up and disintegrate as a result.
The university prioritizes materials and technologies for boosting average life expectancy and the quality of life. The Advanced Functional Materials journal published an article on this new technique.
