NanoZoom
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Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Early diagnosis is crucial to improve treatment responsiveness and efficacy. Recent developments at the frontier of research focus on designing innovative contrast agents (CAs) with high biocompatibility and sensitivity but suffering of limitations like poor biopersistence and inability to reach less vascularized tumors, which can delay diagnosis. NanoZoom is an upcoming start-up aiming to revolutionize early cancer diagnosis, particularly EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) overexpressing tumors, which are often associated with poor prognosis. The technology exploits an innovative CA, NanoCEUS, to be used in any ultrasound (US) imaging system, not requiring specific equipment or imaging module, thus being widely available and cost-effective.
This CA is based on patented Lipo-ZnO NPs, coreshell nanosized agents with unique acoustic wave reflections properties and air nanobubble transport. NanoCEUS is capable of increasing ultrasound image contrast by 100% and maintain this prolonged effect over time, being highly stable and biopersistent up to 7 days, differently from current CAs for US imaging. It is also safe, injectable, bio- and hemocompatible and completely biodegradable. Remarkably, thanks to its nano-size and biomolecules decoration, it can extravasate and target EGFR+ tumor mass, a feature not available in current CAs for US imaging. Finally, it has a theranostic potential: the NPs can be then activated by a separate US probe to obtain sonodynamic therapeutic treatment, repeated over time, against tumor. NanoCEUS is superior to current solutions, meeting a significant clinical need. This technology has the potential to greatly impact early cancer diagnosis, leading to more effective treatments and an improved quality of life for patients. It opens new perspectives in high-resolution imaging and expands the use of conventional US diagnostics.
People involved
- Valentina Alice Cauda (Principal Investigator)
- Marco Carofiglio (Component of the research team)
- Marzia Conte (Component of the research team)
- Veronica Vighetto (Component of the research team)
- Emilio Paolucci (Responsabile Scientifico di Struttura)
Structures
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goals
Budget
| Total cost: | € 64,538.00 |
|---|---|
| Total contribution: | € 39,930.00 |
| PoliTo total cost: | € 64,538.00 |
| PoliTo contribution: | € 39,930.00 |