The most common form of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and also the leading cause of sudden death is atherosclerosis, a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the arterial vessels. Unstable, vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques can rupture and cause thrombosis, resulting in myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. We have developed a gentle, robust, highly reproducible, and site-specific coupling method utilizing the Staphylococcus aureus sortase A enzyme to conjugate single-chain antibody (scFv) to nanoparticles and cells for molecular imaging and cell homing in CVD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used as a powerful and indispensable tool in medical research and clinical diagnosis due to its high spatial resolution and non-limited penetration depth. We have developed both targeted negative contrast agents and targeted dual positive/negative contrast agents for molecular imaging of atherothrombosis. The simultaneous use of positive and negative MRI imaging that employs the same contrast agents will significantly improve the detection accuracy. Using these dual contrast agent, both T1- and T2-weighted MRI of thrombosis can be recorded simultaneously which enables self-confirmation of images and leads to a greater diagnostic accuracy. We have also designed and developed smart MRI nano-sensors that can not only detect, but also sense and report the stage or progression of CVD such as thrombosis. The early detection and accurate characterization of life-threatening diseases such as CVD and cancer are critical to the design of treatment. Knowing whether a thrombus in a blood vessel is new/fresh or old/constituted is very important for physicians to decide a treatment protocol.

About CAI Seminar Series

The perfect opportunity to attend cutting-edge research presentations involving CAI researchers or collaborators, each Tuesday at 9:30am in the CAI Seminar Room, entry via CAI main doors, facing Wep Harris oval (see map).

If you would like weekly email notification for the seminar series or are interested in presenting, please contact CAI Enquiries.

*Our seminar series is now online! See our listed sessions to read more about our upcoming webinars.
To watch previous sessions, press the button below.

CAI Seminar Recordings

Venue

Building 57
University of Queensland
St Lucia
Room: 
Level 2 Seminar Room