Nano venture

Global nanotechnology research centre,

, has launched a new company that intends to commercialise molecular and functional imaging technology based on magnetic nanoparticles.

The company, called Pepric, is hoping to develop technologies that will address pharmaceutical applications for drug development and clinical trials by combining nanoelectronics and biotechnology.

Through its Human++ programme, Pepric will focus on in vivo visualisation of magnetic nanoparticles based on magnetic resonance.

This will allow magnetic nanoparticles to be attached to a certain molecule in order to track its progress through the patient's body.

According to IMEC, the benefits of this system are high sensitivity and sharp time resolution that allow for real-time images.

Magnetic labels are also thought to be more stable compared with radioisotopes, reducing the need for specialised facilities for production and manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles.

Stephanie Teughels, chief executive of Pepric, said: ‘In this initial phase of Pepric, we will concentrate on the development of the technology to demonstrate its market potential.