Design considerations and approaches for new MPI Tracers

The development of suitable magnetic nanoparticles as tracers for MPI faces multiple obstacles. Beyond MPI-specific optimization, properties that are of utter importance for clinical approval like biocompatibility, colloidal stability in blood, synthesis reproducibility and upscalability of the process have to be taken into account. Overcoming these challenges will require interdisciplinary efforts. The Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON) is dedicated to develop SPIONs that can be translated into clinical use. We have already shown that we developed a save contrast agent for MRI, are capable of upscaling particle precipitation techniques and span a wide portfolio for non-regulatory preclinical testing of SPIONs in vitro and in vivo. Together with partners from the pharmaceutical industry, we will also be capable of bringing such processes into preclinical and clinical trials.