Nanoparticles in Diagnostics & Imaging + Tissue Engineering Flashcards
medical diagnosis = process of determining what?
which disease/ condition explains a persons symptoms and signs
Why are nanoparticles used in imaging?
Overcome limitations of small molecules
What are some examples of small molecules used in clinical practice?
FDG, iodinated molecules, chelated gadolinium
whats FDG used for?
PET scan
what are iodinated small mols used for?
CT scan
whats chelated gadolinium used for?
MRI
What are some limitations of small molecules as imaging agents?
Low signal intensity, poor stability, nonspecific interactions, rapid clearance
What advantages do nanoparticles have as imaging agents?
Increased signal intensity, stable imaging signals, can coat with multiple ligands
What is PET imaging used for?
Detecting cancer metastasis
How do PET scans work?
Detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by
a positron- emitting radionuclide
What is CT imaging used for?
Preventive medicine, screening for disease, colonography, heart scans
How do CT scans work?
computer generation of X-RAY measurements to produce a cross-sectional (tomographic) images
What is MRI imaging used for?
Preoperative staging of rectal and prostate cancer
How do MRI scans work?
strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to generate images of the organs in the body
why do we use nanoparticles in IMAGING?
high avidity as they can be coated with multiple ligands
allow multiple bond interactions
= nanoparticle accumulation at tumour site
= increase signal-to-noise ratio
longer circluation
= allows repeated imaging
why is NP use in imaging -> increased signal-to-noise ratio useful?
allows cancerous tissue to be better highlighted relative to adjacent normal tissue
What is the meaning of high avidity in nanoparticles?
They can be coated with multiple copies of ligands
what is the photoacaoutic/ optoacoustic effect?
formation of sound waves following light absorption in material sample
What is the rationale for using nanoparticles in DIAGNOSTICS?
Can be taken up by cells
Can be targeted to different diseases sites - EPR/active
DDS can be used for theranostic applications
what can you do to NPs for active targeting?
attach moieties to surface - antibodies/ fragments
What is the active ingredient in a pregnancy test that gives the indicator strip its colour?
Gold nanoparticles
What is the hormone detected in a pregnancy test?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
What is hCG?
Peptide polymer of 244 amino acids, excreted in urine after fertilized egg implants in uterus, detected with 99% accuracy
What are the components of a pregnancy test?
Plastic housing, absorbent tip, immunoassay strip, gold nanoparticles, monoclonal antibodies