Protein-based nanobubble x-ray imaging method and agent
US10307527B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B6/06
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Systems, compositions, methods and kits employ protein shells, such as ferritin or viral capsid shells, herein called nanobubbles, to enhance X-ray images of cells or body tissue under certain x-ray imaging methods. The nanobubbles have sub-micron size such as about 10 nm, about 40, 60, or 100 nm and may be functionalized for effective delivery to or uptake by a target tissue, in vivo or a cell culture. The nanobubbles are hollow, having a central core which may be empty or contain a fluid, such that the shells effectively form long-lived bubbles in the imaged environment, and are of low electron density and have different scattering properties than the surrounding tissue. X-ray imaging by spatial frequency heterodyne imaging enhances visualization or detection of tissue regions bearing the shells. The protein shells may be further treated to assure biocompatibility and/or to resist undesired interactions with non-targeted tissue, such as scavenging by the liver, or attack by the immune system. For example the nanobubbles may be filled with a hydrophobic gas such as perfluoropropane (octafluoropropane) to maintain their shape and resist hydrophilic interactions and delay the degrad…
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