Detection of atherosclerotic plaques by MRI and optical imaging

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Cardiovascular accidents related to coronary diseases remain the principal cause of mortality and morbidity around the world. The cross-border Franco-Belgian area is not immune to this situation, with heart diseases constituting the bulk of cardiovascular deaths in the area (36% for men and 24% for women). The disorders associated with these heart diseases are related to the development of atherosclerosis, an accumulation of lipids, complex carbohydrates and other deposits that can block the arteries and prevent blood flow. The goal of the NanoCardio project is to develop a molecule that, injected intravenously into the patient, will allow the detection and analysis of atherosclerotic plaques with MRI and optical imaging. NanoCardio thus makes it possible to detect unstable plaques, as well as their size, and to determine their chemical composition. To achieve this objective, the project wants to undertake the development of magneto-optical probes targeting atherosclerotic plaques. It will consist of nanoparticles equipped with contrast agents for imaging detection, and a system of plaque recognition. A cross-border approach within the framework of this project makes it possible to shore up cooperation between teams with complementary knowledge and know-how. The benefit is also to take advantage of the geographic proximity between the stakeholders to conduct more ambitious projects.

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