Team:TU-Eindhoven

Welcome to the homepage of the 2013 iGEM team of the Eindhoven University of Technology.

Within our project we aim to focus on a relatively new form of MRI: CEST imaging. Within CEST imaging proteins containing hydrogen atoms can be used to create the same quality of images as when heavy metals are used. We are hoping to use bacteria to produce these proteins once they enter the body, allowing the bacteria to be our delivery system and production factory. Unique to our process will be the injection of the protein producing bacteria into the patient, as well as the tumor targeting element of the bacteria. Tumors present a hypoxic environment, allowing them to be targetted by our bacteria. These hypoxic conditions will furthermore be the trigger for the production of our CEST proteins. This will ensure contrast is created where tumors are present, and also provides a good means of tumor targeting for drug delivery in the future.