FURI | Spring 2023

Optimization of a Targeted MRI Contrast Agent to Enhance Atherosclerosis Imaging

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. Despite advances in medical imaging, detecting atherosclerotic lesions at early stages remains a major challenge. This FURI project aims to characterize and optimize a novel lesion-targeted contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of atherosclerotic plaques recently developed in Assistant Professor Kuei-Chun Wang’s lab. The research will involve measuring the physicochemical properties of the contrast agent and evaluating their biocompatibility using in vitro assays. The success of this FURI project will contribute to the development of a targeted diagnostic, which ultimately may enable early diagnosis of atherosclerosis and improve patient outcomes.