Coating of Nitinol Guidewire with Manganese Ion Chelated Natural Melanin Nanoparticles for MRI

Interventional procedures are performed for treating lesions, preventing their development, or for pathological diagnosis under the guidance of imaging methods where MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the key imaging modality. However, performing interventional procedures under MRI has many challenges such as RF heating, MRI safety and visibility. In this study, a custom-designed dip coating method was utilized to deposit Mn²⁺ chelated natural melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) onto MRI-compatible nitinol guidewires. To enhance the coating quality, a specialized dip coating apparatus was developed with the help of Arduino and a step motor. Images of SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and MR demonstrated that optimizing the coating parameters could achieve more homogeneous Mn²⁺ chelated natural MNPs coated invasive instruments, presenting a promising approach for the advancement of interventional MRI.