Team:TU-Eindhoven/Project

Abstract

The field of medical imaging is constantly changing and improving as engineers and physicians strive to obtain the best images possible. This is true for one field in particular, the field of MRI. MRI is one of the best ways of imaging patients, providing doctors and scientists with high quality 3D images of a patients entire body. As a result, MRI has become an irreplaceable aid in the detection of cancers. It does however have multiple drawbacks, one of which is the use of heavy metals in contrast agents. Yet without the use of heavy metals MRI cannot detect cancers and other diseases efficiently, or could it?

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 will use Escherichia coli K-12 to produce these proteins once they enter the body, allowing the bacteria to be our delivery system and production factory.Tumours present a hypoxic environment, allowing them to be targeted 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.

Should all go well then we will create an alternative for the use of heavy metals that is safe to use, without losing any of the image quality.