Innovative functionalized NANOplatform delivering nanobody-targeted manganese contrast agents for MRI visualization of pancreatic Islet beta Cells – NANOMIC

The NANOMIC project aims to develop unique, safe and specific functionalized nanocapsules carrying Mn2+-based imaging agents for non-invasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) quantification of pancreatic beta cells. To do so, we will engineer and functionalize lipid-based nanocapsules that will specifically meet beta cells thanks to Nanobodies (Nbs) within four workpages (WP), gathering 4 partners with complementary and multidisciplinary expertise. The WP1 aims to generate Nbs against the GLP-1R, a known receptor for beta-cell MRI and new beta-cell specific Nbs. The WP2 aims to synthetise the lipophilic Mn2+-bispidine chelates. The WP3 will formulate and functionalize the lipid-based nanocapsule with Mn2+-bispidine chelates and Nbs. The WP4 will ex vivo and in vivo validate the functionalized nanocapsules carrying Mn2+ for MRI of islet cells. The multidisciplinary NANOMIC project is expected to contribute to a breakthrough in the formulation of nanoparticles dedicated to biomedical imaging purpose. The immediate impact at the end of the 42-months project will be to release a new generation of diagnostic nanoplatforms with nanobodies-based cell specific tracers, in vivo deliverable, applicable for cell-specific MRI of islets and suitable for monitoring BCM in preclinical models of diabetes. These tools could be used by pharmaceutical companies for the evaluation of novel therapies aiming to restore BCM in preclinical models of diabetes. In this regard, NANOMIC will have a high valorisation impact (patents and creation of a start-up).