Synthesis, characterization and In-vivo measurement of bone-seeking metal oxide nanoparticles

Dynamic bone turnover is associated with most bone disease, such as stress fractures (e.g., tibial shin splints), often seen in athletes and new military recruits. The key to successful diagnosis and treatment of bone stress fractures is early detection by diagnosis of excessive bone turnover. However, measuring bone metabolism using medical imaging is challenging, and usually only obtainable using radionuclide tracers, which are expensive and involve patient exposure to ionizing radiation. Thus, a non-ionizing alternative to accurately diagnose bone metabolism would be of enormous value. We have developed a new class of bone-targeting imaging tracers based on metal oxide nanoparticles, for use in imaging of bone turnover with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Similar to classical radionuclide bone scans, our novel contrast agent uses a chemical “bone hook” to impart bone-seeking properties, but replaces the former radioisotope with non-ionizing metal oxide nanoparticles. Our novel imaging tracer will greatly improve the diagnosis and management of bone stress fractures, during the same visit to the sports medicine clinic, without the need for referral to the hospital nuclear medicine department for a follow up radionuclide bone scan.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michael Doschak

Student:

Partner:

Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Retail trade

University:

University of Alberta

Program: