A Protease-Activatable Nanoparticle Contrast Agent for Molecular Imaging by Dual Energy Computed Tomography

摘要

We have successfully synthesized and characterized a CT probe consisting of iodine-containing liposomes conjugated to gold nanoparticles by a protease sensitive peptide linker. Each of the probe components shows high stability and biocompatibility. This is the first demonstration of an activatable molecular imaging CT probe. Future studies will test the use of this probe for dual energy CT imaging of protease activity in vivo. This probe has the potential to significantly improve CT imaging for a variety of disease processes with high proteolytic activity, including cancer and atherosclerosis.