Hyperpolarized silicon nano- and microparticles hold great promise as targeted molecular imaging agents due to their overall biocompatibility and long-lasting enhanced MRI signals. We performed dynamic nuclear polarization on silicon microparticles that were functionalized with an antibody that targets Mucin overexpression in colorectal cancer. Conjugation of the antibody to the particle surface did not affect the 29Si hyperpolarization characteristics, and in vivo imaging was attained 20 minutes after particle injection into a colorectal cancer mouse model. The goal is to develop these targeted particles as a platform technology that will allow non-invasive screening of colorectal cancer using 29Si MRI.
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