Abstract: In the setting of myocardial ischemia, recovery of myocardial function by revascularization procedures depends on the extent of coronary disease and myocardial scar burden. Currently, computed tomographic (CT) imaging offers superior evaluation of coronary lesions but lacks the capability to measure the transmural extent of myocardial… Abstract: In the setting of myocardial ischemia, recovery of myocardial function by revascularization procedures depends on the extent of coronary disease and myocardial scar burden. Currently, computed tomographic (CT) imaging offers superior evaluation of coronary lesions but lacks the capability to measure the transmural extent of myocardial scar. Our work focuses on determining if collagen-targeting gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can effectively target myocardial scar and provide adequate contrast for CT imaging. AuNPs were coated with a collagen-homing peptide, collagen adhesin (CNA35). Myocardial scar was created in mice by occlusion/reperfusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Thirty days later, un-gated CT imaging was performed. Over 6h, CNA35-AuNPs provided uniform and prolonged opacification of the vascular structures (100-130HU). In mice with larger scar burden, focal contrast enhancement was detected in the myocardium, which was not apparent within that of control mice. Histological staining confirmed myocardial scar formation and accumulation of AuNPs.Graphical Abstract: Here we present the results on the development of a targeted radiocontrast agent based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). To enable homing to myocardial scar (MI), AuNPs are coated with a highly specific collagen-homing peptide (CNA35). MI scar was created in mice and CT imaging was performed 30days later with a GE Ultra flat panel CT scanner. CNA35-AuNPs provided prolonged vascular enhancement after injection of our gold nanoparticles into C57BL/6 mice. Also, focal contrast enhancement was detected in the infarcted myocardium, which was not apparent within that of control mice. Histological staining confirmed myocardial scar formation and accumulation of AuNPs.
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