APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:

• Diagnostics and analytical chemistry 
• Detection of gadolinium-based contrast agents in urine 

BENEFITS:

• Uses luminescence spectroscopy, a lower cost and more efficient method that does not require sample digestion and preparation compared to the industry standard that uses mass spectrometry
• Capable of detecting residual gadolinium left in patients undergoing imaging procedures

BACKGROUND:

Gadolinium-based contrast agents are widely used in magnetic resonance imaging procedures to enhance image contrast due to their ability to prevent the formation of the luminescent complex Eu³⁺ – 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO). Despite their common use in clinical settings, gadolinium can be a harmful substance to ingest, and there are several disorders associated with its use. Therefore, analytical technologies capable of tracking contrast agent excretion through urine are necessary for optimizing patient safety after imaging procedures.

TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW:

Berkeley Lab scientists have developed a new assay to detect and quantify contrast agents in urine based on the luminescence quenching of a bioinspired probe, Eu³⁺ – 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO). Gadolinium-based contrast agents prevent the formation of the Eu³⁺ – 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) complex subsequently decreasing the luminescence of the assay solution. Three commercial contrast agents, Magnevist®, Multihance® and Omniscan®, were used to demonstrate the analytical concept in synthetic human urine, and subsequent quantification of mouse urine samples. This is the first assay that is capable of detecting and quantifying gadolinium-based contrast agents in urine without sample preparation or digestion.

DEVELOPMENT STAGE: Proven principle

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Roger M. Pallares, Dahlia D. An, Pariswi Tewari, Elizabeth T. Wang, and Rebecca J. Abergel, “Rapid Detection of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents in Urine with a Chelated Europium Luminescent Probe, ACS Sensors”

“A Single Dose for Good Measure: How an Anti-Nuclear-Contamination Pill Could Also Help MRI Patients,” Berkeley Lab Newscenter, September 12,  2019

RELATED TECHNOLOGY:

Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) Chelator for Metal Sensing 2020-033

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS:

Roger Molto Pallares

Rebecca Abergel

STATUS: Patent pending 

OPPORTUNITIES: Available for licensing or collaborative research