Universities, hi-tech clusters, hospitals and research centres from the France-Belgium cross-border region have joined forces to develop new, non-invasive ways to diagnose atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of the arteries due to the build-up of fatty material known as plaque. It causes diseases of the circulatory system – including strokes and heart attacks – which are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. The NanoCardio project explores the use of magnetic (MRI) and optical (fluorescence) imaging to detect the disease in its early stages.
- 19 November 2019
In bringing together the know-how of European partners in the cross-border zone of France, Wallonia and Flanders, NanoCardio is developing multifunctional and biocompatible nanometric sensors intended for imaging the plaques which cause atherosclerosis.
The current method used to detect atherosclerosis – known as angiography – is invasive. It requires the insertion of catheters and the use of iodised molecules which may put the patient at risk. NanoCardio provides a non-invasive alternative that does not use ionising radiation.
The project is developing a system which can detect and evaluate atherosclerosis plaques and determine their chemical composition through MRI and optical imaging. By helping to detect problems at an early stage, doctors can use the project’s technology to provide patients with more effective treatments and prevent deaths caused by heart disease.
Promising results
NanoCardio’s solution involves the development of magnetic and optical probes known in medical science as nanoplatforms. The project’s imaging techniques provide excellent resolution, which is revealing the characteristics of arterial walls and composition of plaques in great detail.
Project partners based in France and Wallonia in Belgium have developed the MRI probes and demonstrated their efficiency. Preliminary tests in mice have shown the potential of the probes and the effectiveness of NanoCardio’s system for recognising atherosclerosis. In addition, the safety of the MRI probes has been demonstrated through a toxicological study carried out by the project’s Flemish partner.
Cross-border expertise
The project consortium includes three university teams based in Mons, Reims and Gent and the expertise of associated partners, including two competitiveness clusters specialising in health (BioWin from Wallonia and Eurasanté based in Northern France). Key input was provided by two university hospitals – CHU Ambroise Paré in Mons and CHU in Reims – and two research and innovation centres: IMEC in Leuven and IEMN in Lille.
To foster the cross-border cooperation, the project partners carried out communication activities aimed at the scientific community and general public. The objective was to promote the role of the EU’s cross-border programme regarding the funding of research projects in nanomedicine and health, and promote public awareness about cardiovascular health.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “NanoCardio: Atherosclerotic plaques detection by MRI and optical imaging” is EUR 1 602 678, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 801 339 through the “Interreg France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Research and innovation”.