Switchable magneto-plasmonic contrast agents and molecular imaging technologies (EU-H2020-FETOPEN-01-2018-2019-2020-899612)

SWIMMOT project aims to revolutionize in vivo molecular imaging through a switchable contrast agent (CA) and magneto-plasmonic imaging technology. By utilizing magnetic core/plasmonic gold shell nanorods with biofunctional shells, SWIMMOT will enable multimodal optical coherence tomography/photoacoustic imaging modes. This technique will switch the CA on and off, removing imaging background and achieving ultra-high contrast molecular imaging, allowing in vivo quantification of soluble biomarkers at cellular resolution. SWIMMOT’s breakthroughs will enhance understanding of biological mechanisms, aid disease diagnostics, and facilitate the development of new therapies