Development and implementation of novel acoustic, magnetic and optical techniques for diagnostic and therapeutic applications

• Grant number: 18/16939-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• Duration: June 01, 2022 - May 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Adilton Oliveira Carneiro
• Grantee: Antonio Adilton Oliveira Carneiro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Pesquisadores principais: José Ricardo de Arruda Miranda ; Theo Zeferino Pavan
• Associated researchers: Ana Paula Ramos ; Antônio Carlos Shimano ; Eduardo Tavares Costa ; Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guirro ; George Cunha Cardoso ; Jorge Elias Júnior ; Koiti Araki ; Laudemir Carlos Varanda ; Luiz Otavio Murta Junior ; Marcello Henrique Nogueira Barbosa ; María Sol Brassesco Annichini ; Oswaldo Baffa Filho ; Renata Fonseca Vianna Lopez ; Rinaldo Roberto de Jesus Guirro ; Tito José Bonagamba
• Associated grant(s): 22/07463-5 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2018/16939-8: equipment of ultrasound for reasearch model VANTANGE 256 from Verasonics, AP.EMU
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/12028-6 - Biological tissue mimicry for magnetoacoustography measurements, BP.IC; 22/12771-0 - Molecular imaging by magnetoacoustography using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, BP.DD

Abstract

Scientific and technological advances in biomedical transducers are providing the development of new hybrid platforms for diagnostic and therapy. These hybrid technologies are also called theranostic systems. The Group of Innovation in Medical Instrumentation and Ultrasound (GIIMUS) of USP at Ribeirão Preto, in collaboration with other national and international centers, has explored new ultrasonic technologies in combination with other magnetic and optical techniques for application in biomedicine. For example, when a medium is labeled with magnetic nanoparticles and submitted to an external oscillating magnetic field, it will be magnetized generating low amplitude mechanical vibration due to the magnetic force between the external field and the magnetization of the nanoparticles. In this case, the location of the nanoparticles and the mechanical properties of this medium can be diagnosed using magnetic susceptibility measurements and ultrasonic elastography techniques. In addition, the same medium may be heated for therapeutic purposes also using an oscillating external magnetic field and / or high-power ultrasonic radiation. To map the temperature variation of the internal structures of the tissue, and ultrasound system can be used. Likewise, if a medium is excited with pulsed light, it will be absorbed and mechanical waves will be generated due to the thermoelastic effect. These pressure waves can be detected using ultrasonic transducers configured only as acoustic receivers. The main goals to be developed in this project will be: 1 - Implementation of new ultrasound elastographic techniques on a dedicated programmable Ultrasound platform (Verasonics ®); 2 - Development and application of theranostic platforms using light and magnetism to generate mechanical disturbances of the internal structures of tissues marked with functionalized nanoparticles and diagnosis of the viscoelastic and thermal properties of these structures by ultrasonic methods; 3 - Application of a hybrid transducer composed of magnetic susceptometry and ultrasound for the study of pharmacokinetics in animal models marked with functionalized magnetic nanoparticles; 4 - Studies of bone microstructures using high frequency (MHz) ultrasonic radiation forces and detection of low frequency acoustic radiation. (AU)