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The results of the research were published in the Journal of Applied Physics.

MRT is a powerful method of biomedical diagnosis in which a nuclear magnetic resonance of hydrogen atoms (protons) is commonly used. During the work of the tomograph, a magnetic field is created that "cuts" the protons of the hydrogen atoms into the magnetic field during the influence of radio waves.

Some studies require the use of contrast agents to increase the accuracy and informativeness of the image. The contrast signal MRT largely depends on the degree of change of the longitudinal or transverse relaxation time.

The relaxation time is the moment when the protons return to the stationary state. It depends on the molecules and atoms in the proton environment, which is different in healthy and diseased tissues.

In specific cases, the pathology can be identified by contrast agents that locally modify the relaxation times of the diseased tissue. The combination of MRT and contrast agents enhances the ability to capture inflammation, such as tumor angiogenesis in oncology.

NINU MIFI scientists have come up with a new type of contrast agent based on silicon nanoparticles, which allows the combination of therapy and diagnosis. According to the professor of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IFIB) NINU MIFI and Viktor Lomonosov Moscow State University Viktor Tymoshenko, this is an example of the development of nanotechnology – the combination of diagnostic and therapeutic methods at the nanoscale.

Teranostatic MRI agents predict a combination of contrast agents and therapies for the purpose of extracting drugs from nano-capsules and / or additional effects of physical fields or drugs. radiation.

Materials for nanotechnology should be nontoxic and compatible with the human body. Another indispensable feature is "invisibility" of the immune system, otherwise they will simply be destroyed. In addition, the nanoparticles must not accumulate in the body and their surface is contaminated.

According to representatives of the Nanotechnology Laboratory of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IFIB) NINU MIFI, the use of nanoparticles of malignant cellular silicon is one of the most promising methods of nanotubes of Cancer.

These nanoparticles themselves are not harmful to the body, however they can, under the influence of radio waves, warm up to a temperature of about 42 oS and over (this is what is called hyperthermia) which ensures local destruction of cancer cells.