A Novel Ferritin-Based Nanoconstruct for Diagnostic Applications

Lorenzo CALISTI, Sapienza University of Rome

Lanthanides are non-invasive ions that display fascinating optical properties but require aromatic chelating agents to improve their weak fluorescence. To this purpose the nano-cage architecture of ferritin, endowed with unique receptor targeting properties, has been engineered to selectively complex lanthanide ions inside the cavity and strongly enhance their luminescence. We developed a novel biocompatible and not photobleachable nanophosphor that can be successfully used as a fluorescent probe for bioimaging applications, fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy and as MRI contrast agents and PET radionuclide carriers.

 
Back to  23 September - Morning