Magnetic resonance imaging tracking of alginate beads used for drug delivery of growth factors at sites of cardiac damage

Alginate-based beads labeled with contrast agent and loaded with vascular growth hormones were used for site-specific chronic delivery of hormones at the site of myocardial damage in a porcine model. Position of the beads within the pericardium could be monitored by MRI for optimal hormone delivery due to the presence of contrast agent. The beads facilitate the slow release of cytochrome c, myoglobin and methemoglobin used as protein models of growth factors. This application allows for site-specific delivery of hormones while the incorporated contrast agent in the beads provides a tool for MRI tracking in chronic studies.