Researchers at the Institute of Chemical Biology and Basic Medicine in Novosibirsk have developed new magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents that avoid toxic heavy metal ions. The news is reported by Interfax, with input from ICBFM researcher Alexei Chubarov.
The team is creating probes for both fluorescence tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These multimodal agents let clinicians visualize tumor locations before a procedure, enhancing planning and accuracy. At the Synthetic Biology and Biopharmaceuticals conference in Novosibirsk, Chubarov commented on how the advance could support surgical decisions when addressing tumors more effectively.
A key point is that the method is designed for scenarios where radioactive elements are not ideal or allowed, such as certain brain tumors. The contrast agents tested incorporate either the fluorine-19 isotope or nitroxide radicals based on nitrogen and oxygen compounds. The nitroxide approach tends to be cleared from the body more quickly than gadolinium, which is commonly used in imaging today.
The chemical design emerged from a collaboration with the nitrogen compounds laboratory at the Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry. Researchers used human serum albumin as a carrier to transport the contrast agent through the bloodstream.
An intriguing possibility raised by the researchers is the addition of a chemotherapeutic drug to the contrast agent’s structure. If incorporated, the resulting compound could both image the tumor and deliver treatment in a single system.
Earlier reports noted frequent follow ups with computed tomography after imaging results. The current research aims to offer safer, faster, and more informative imaging options that reduce exposure while increasing diagnostic clarity.