CT Imaging

Among all imaging modalities, computed tomography (CT) imaging has become one of the most powerful and popular diagnostic imaging modalities for diseases in modern clinical diagnosis. Traditional small molecule contrast agents for medical imaging show inherent disadvantages such as nephrotoxicity, low specificity, short imaging time, and low signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore, the development of safe and effective contrast agents or the construction of novel functionalized nanoprobes is one of the focuses of medical imaging research. Dendrimers have been used to develop contrast agents for CT because of their nanoscale size, permeability across biological membranes and high biocapacity, which can significantly prolong blood circulation time, reduce nephrotoxicity, enhance delivery targeting and improve sensitivity.

Introduction into CT Imaging

Non-invasive bioimaging techniques are valuable for visualization of abnormal states in vivo, detection of patient pathological conditions, assessment of treatment efficacy and disease management. CT imaging produces three-dimensional and high-resolution anatomical images without invasion, which is useful for clinical diagnosis of disease. To clearly depict various tissues and detect subtle changes within them, most patients usually require the administration of exogenous contrast agents for effective CT imaging. However, its application is still severely limited by the inherent defects of contrast agents (mainly iodinated water-soluble molecules), including rapid clearance, severe toxicity, poor targeting, and poor sensitivity.

Dendrimers-based Contrast Agents for CT Imaging

Nanoparticles (NPs), including liposomes, micelles, and dendrimers, have shown great potential for efficient delivery of iodine contrast agents (ICM) due to their high biocompatibility and ease of preparation and modification. As a nanomaterial, dendrimers are a class of monodisperse synthetic macromolecules with a well-defined and highly branched three-dimensional structure. With appropriate surface modification, dendrimers have unique properties and excellent biocompatibility, making them versatile nanoplatforms for biomedical imaging and disease treatment. Through structural design, surface modification and integration of various contrast agents, dendrimers have higher biocompatibility, sensitivity, targeting specificity and precision, and dendrimer-based nanoplatforms are widely developed for enhanced CT imaging.

Advantages of Dendrimer-based Contrast Agents for CT Imaging

The abundant functional groups at the ends of dendrimers allow for various surface modifications, and the branching structure provides internal space for efficient loading of nanoparticles and drugs, improving tumor imaging applications. Dendrimer-based contrast agents can not only improve CT imaging sensitivity, but also improve targeting by covalently linking targeting ligands (e.g., folic acid, RGD peptide, and lactide) to the dendrimer nanoplatform. In addition, functionalization of dendrimers can improve biocompatibility, and through multifunctional dendrimer nanotechnology, two types of radiodensity imaging components can be integrated in a single system for dual mode bioimaging, which greatly improves the accuracy of detection.

Synthesis process of iodinated dendritic nanoparticles. (You S, et al., 2016)

How We Can Help

With our advanced technology platform and extensive experience, CD BioSciences provides innovative dendrimer products and high quality services to passionate researchers worldwide. Our dedicated scientists will address each of your specific needs and overcome all obstacles in your dendrimer project. If you are interested in our services or have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. You S.; et al. High-performance dendritic contrast agents for X-ray computed tomography imaging using potent tetraiodobenzene derivatives. J Control Release. 2016, 226: 258-67.