Macromolecules, dendrimers, and nanomaterials in magnetic resonance imaging: the interplay between size, function, and pharmacokinetics

In vivo bio-safety evaluations and diagnostic/therapeutic applications of chemically designed mesoporous silica nanoparticles

The remarkable progress of nanotechnology and its application in biomedicine have greatly expanded the ranges and types of biomaterials from traditional organic material-based nanoparticles (NPs) to inorganic biomaterials or organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposites due to the unprecedented advantages of the engineered inorganic material-based NPs. Colloidal mesoporous silica NPs (MSNs), one of the most representative and well-established inorganic materials, have been promoted into biology and medicine, and shifted from extensive in vitro research towards preliminary in vivo assays in small-animal disease models. In this comprehensive review, the recent progresses in chemical design and engineering of MSNs-based biomaterials for in vivo biomedical applications has been detailed and overviewed. Due to the intrinsic structural characteristics of elaborately designed MSNs such as large surface area, high pore volume and easy chemical functionalization, they have been extensively investigated for therapeutic, diagnostic and theranostic (concurrent diagnosis and therapy) purposes, especially in oncology. Systematic in vivo bio-safety evaluations of MSNs have revealed the evidences that the in vivo bio-behaviors of MSNs are strongly related to their preparation prodecures, particle sizes, geometries, surface chemistries, dosing parameters and even administration routes. In vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics further demonstrated the effectiveness of MSNs as the passively and/or actively targeted drug delivery systems (DDSs) for cancer chemotherapy. Especially, the advance of nano-synthetic chemistry enables the production of composite MSNs for advanced in vivo therapeutic purposes such as gene delivery, stimuli-responsive drug release, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, ultrasound therapy, or anti-bacteria in tissue engineering, or as the contrast agents for biological and diagnostic imaging. Additionally, the critical issues and potential challenges related to the chemical design/synthesis of MSNs-based "magic bullet" by advanced nano-synthetic chemistry and in vivo evaluation have been discussed to highlight the issues scientists face in promoting the translation of MSNs-based DDSs into clinical trials.

Self-assembled magnetic resonance imaging nanoprobes based on arachidyl chitosan for cancer diagnosis

Arachidyl chitosan (chitosan oligosaccharide-arachidic acid; CSOAA)-based self-assembled nanoprobes for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of neoplastic lesions was developed and evaluated in vitro. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic dianhydride (DTPA) was conjugated to chitosan oligosaccharide (CSO) and Gd(3+) was chelated to the resulting ligand. DTPA conjugation and Gd(3+) chelation were confirmed primarily by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and zeta potential measurement. A spherical nanoprobe of around 150 nm mean diameter in the tested concentration range was formed in an aqueous environment by simple dissolution. The critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of the CSOAA-based nanoprobe was 3.86 μg/ml, indicating its stability after dilution in body fluid. The nanoprobe had negligible toxicity in head and neck cancer cell lines (Hep-2 and FaDu cells). The amount of Cy5.5-labeled nanoprobe taken-up by cells, as observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), increased according to incubation time (up to 12h). A phantom study showed a T1-positive contrast-enhancing effect of the developed CSOAA-based nanoprobe, compared to that of the commercial formulation (Gd-DTPA; Magnevist). These results indicate that the CSOAA-based nanoprobe can be used for efficient MR imaging of neoplastic cells.

Sugar/gadolinium-loaded gold nanoparticles for labelling and imaging cells by magnetic resonance imaging

Targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes for selective cell labelling and tracking are highly desired. We here present biocompatible sugar-coated paramagnetic Gd-based gold nanoparticles (Gd-GNPs) and test them as MRI T₁ reporters in different cellular lines at a high magnetic field (11.7 T). With an average number of 20 Gd atoms per nanoparticle, Gd-GNPs show relaxivity values r₁ ranging from 7 to 18 mM^-1 s^-1 at 1.41 T. The multivalent presentation of carbohydrates on the Gd-GNPs enhances the avidity of sugars for carbohydrate-binding receptors at the cell surface and increases the local concentration of the probes. A large reduction in longitudinal relaxation times T₁ is achieved with both fixed cells and live cells. Differences in cellular labelling are obtained by changing the type of sugar on the gold surface, indicating that simple monosaccharides and disaccharides are able to modulate the cellular uptake. These results stress the benefits of using sugars to produce nanoparticles for cellular labelling. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on labelling and imaging cells with Gd-based gold nanoparticles which use simple sugars as receptor reporters.

Facile hydrothermal synthesis and surface functionalization of polyethyleneimine-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications

We report the facile hydrothermal synthesis and surface functionalization of branched polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-PEI NPs) for biomedical applications. In this study, Fe3O4-PEI NPs were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal method in the presence of PEI. The formed Fe3O4-PEI NPs with primary amine groups on the surface were able to be further functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG), acetic anhydride, and succinic anhydride, respectively. The formed pristine and functionalized Fe3O4-PEI NPs were characterized via different techniques. We showed that the sizes of the Fe3O4-PEI NPs were able to be controlled by varying the mass ratio of Fe(II) salt and PEI. In addition, the formed Fe3O4-PEI NPs with different surface functionalities had good water dispersibility, colloidal stability, and relatively high R2 relaxivity (130-160 1/(mM·s)). Cell viability assay data revealed that the surface PEGylation and acylation of Fe3O4-PEI NPs rendered them with good biocompatibility in the given concentration range, while the pristine aminated Fe3O4-PEI NPs started to display slight toxicity at the concentration of 50 μg/mL. Importantly, macrophage cellular uptake results demonstrated that both PEGylation and acetylation of Fe3O4-PEI NPs were able to significantly reduce the nonspecific macrophage uptake, likely rendering the particles with prolonged circulation time. With the proven hemocompatibility and rich amine conjugation chemistry, the Fe3O4-PEI NPs with different surface functionalities may be applied for various biomedical applications, especially for magnetic resonance imaging and therapy.

Gd-Sc-based mixed-metal nitride cluster fullerenes: mutual influence of the cage and cluster size and the role of scandium in the electronic structure

The influence of the cage as well as of the cluster size has been studied in Gd-Sc nitride cluster fullerenes, which have been synthesized and isolated for these studies. A series of carbon cages ranging from C78 to C88 have been synthesized, isolated, and characterized in detail using absorption and vibrational spectroscopy as well as electrochemistry and density functional theory calculations. Gd-Sc mixed-metal cluster fullerenes in carbon cages different from C80 were described for the first time. A review of their structures, properties, and stability is given. The synthesis was performed with melamine as an effective solid source of nitrogen, providing high fullerene yield and suppressing empty fullerene formation. Substitution of gadolinium by scandium imposes a noticeable influence on the electronic structure of nitride cluster fullerenes as revealed by electrochemical, spectroscopic, and computational methods.

Synthesis, structure and molecular modelling of anionic carbosilane dendrimers

Anionic carbosilane dendrimers of generations 1-3 have been synthesized containing carboxylate G(n)X(C(2)H(4)CO(2)Na)(m) and sulfonate G(n)X(C(2)H(4)SO(3)Na)(m) peripheral groups and derived from two different cores, 1,3,5-(HO)(3)C(6)H(3) (X = O(3)) and Si(C(3)H(5))(4) (X = Si). The peripheral anionic groups make these dendrimers water soluble, despite their highly hydrophobic framework. These dendrimers present a net negative charge in water, which was influenced by the pH of the medium. This characteristic was studied by pH titration. Also molecular modeling calculations have been performed to study differences in an aqueous medium between carboxylate and sulfonate dendrimers of different cores. The results obtained were also compared with those obtained from DOSY NMR experiments and zeta-potential measurements.

Targeted biodegradable dendritic MRI contrast agent for enhanced tumor imaging

Highly sensitive and safe contrast agents (CAs) are essential for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to achieve accurate tumor detection and imaging. Dendrimer-based macromolecular MRI contrast agents are advantageous owing to their tumor-targeting ability, enhanced imaging contrast and enlarged imaging window. However, most of them have drawbacks of non-degradability and thereby long-term retention in body and toxicity. Herein, a tumor-targeting biodegradable dendritic CA (DCA) (FA-PEG-G2-DTPA-Gd) was prepared from a polyester dendrimer conjugated with gadolinium (Gd) chelates and PEG chains with distal folic acid. The DCA had a high longitudinal relaxivity up to 17.1mM(-1)s(-1), 4 times higher than the clinically used CA Magnevist. The MRI contrasted by FA-PEG-G2-DTPA-Gd outlined the inoculated tumor more clearly, and had much higher contrast enhancement for a much longer time than Magnevist. More importantly, the biodegradable FA-PEG-G2-DTPA-Gd gave much less Gd retentions in all the organs or tissues than non-degradable DCAs. Thus, the high efficiency in MRI contrast enhancement and low Gd retention merit it a promising CA for contrast enhanced tumor MRI.

Dendrimer and cancer: a patent review (2006-present)

INTRODUCTION

Dendrimers were widely used in cancer diagnosis and therapy during the past decade. The surface functionalities allow bioactive molecules such as imaging probes, therapeutic compounds, targeting ligands to be present on dendrimer surface in a multivalent fashion. In addition, the interior pockets as well as the charged surface of dendrimer can be encapsulated/bound with anti-cancer drugs or therapeutic DNAs/siRNAs.

AREAS COVERED

The combination of dendrimer chemistry and new cancer therapy techniques such as radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, neuron capture therapy, and photothermal therapy provides promising strategies in future cancer therapy. Here, we focused on recent advances on this topic in the patents (2006 - present) and discussed the advantages of dendrimer technology in these inventions.

EXPERT OPINION

The challenges and perspectives of dendrimer-based theranostics for cancer diagnosis and therapy are discussed. Future efforts in this area should be focused on designing materials to solve problems such as cancer metastasis, multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells, and early-stage cancer diagnosis.

Design of a novel class of protein-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents for the molecular imaging of cancer biomarkers

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of disease biomarkers, especially cancer biomarkers, could potentially improve our understanding of the disease and drug activity during preclinical and clinical drug treatment and patient stratification. MRI contrast agents with high relaxivity and targeting capability to tumor biomarkers are highly required. Extensive work has been done to develop MRI contrast agents. However, only a few limited literatures report that protein residues can function as ligands to bind Gd(3+) with high binding affinity, selectivity, and relaxivity. In this paper, we focus on reporting our current progress on designing a novel class of protein-based Gd(3+) MRI contrast agents (ProCAs) equipped with several desirable capabilities for in vivo application of MRI of tumor biomarkers. We will first discuss our strategy for improving the relaxivity by a novel protein-based design. We then discuss the effect of increased relaxivity of ProCAs on improving the detection limits for MRI contrast agent, especially for in vivo application. We will further report our efforts to improve in vivo imaging capability and our achievement in molecular imaging of cancer biomarkers with potential preclinical and clinical applications.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of folate-receptor-targeted SPION-polymer micelle hybrids for MRI contrast enhancement in cancer imaging

Polymer-SPION hybrids were investigated for receptor-mediated localization in tumour tissue. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) prepared by high-temperature decomposition of iron acetylacetonate were monodisperse (9.27 ± 3.37 nm), with high saturation magnetization of 76.8 emu g(-1). Amphiphilic copolymers prepared from methyl methacrylate and PEG methacrylate by atom transfer radical polymerization were conjugated with folic acid (for folate-receptor specificity). The folate-conjugated polymer had a low critical micellar concentration (0.4 mg l(-1)), indicating stability of the micellar formulation. SPION-polymeric micelle clusters were prepared by desolvation of the SPION dispersion/polymer solution in water. Magnetic resonance imaging of the formulation revealed very good contrast enhancement, with transverse (T(2)) relaxivity of 260.4 mM(-1) s(-1). The biological evaluation of the SPION micelles included cellular viability assay (MTT) and uptake in HeLa cells. These studies demonstrated the potential use of these nanoplatforms for imaging and targeting.

Dendritic surface functionalization of nanomaterials: controlling properties and functions for biomedical applications

A wide variety of nanomaterials have demonstrated promise in medical applications such as drug delivery and imaging. In these applications, the surface chemistry of the materials is critical as it plays an important role in determining the toxicity and biodistribution behavior of the material. We review here the functionalization of nanomaterials with dendrons as an efficient method to alter the surface chemistry of the materials, introducing new properties and functions. Described here is the functionalization of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) with dendritic guanidines to enhance their transport into cells for magnetic resonance imaging applications. The introduction of dendrons bearing peripheral hydroxyls, amines, guanidines, carbohydrates and Gd(III) chelates to polymer vesicles (polymersomes) is also described. These dendritic moieties allow for modulation of toxicity, cell uptake, protein binding, and contrast agent efficiency, while at the same time allowing the stabilities of the polymersomes to be maintained. Thus, this approach holds promise for the development of a wide range of multifunctional materials for pharmaceutical applications.

Magnetic resonance imaging and tracking of stem cells

To date, several stem cell labeling protocols have been developed, contributing to a fast growing and promising field of stem cell imaging by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Most of these methods utilize iron oxide nanoparticles (MION, SPIO, USPIO, VSIOP) for cell labeling, which provide negative (dark) signal effects on T2-weighted MR images. The following protocol describes stem cell labeling techniques with commercially available gadolinium chelates, which provide positive contrast on T1-weighted MR images, which can be advantageous for specific applications.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Imaging in Oncology is rapidly moving from the detection and size measurement of a lesion to the quantitative assessment of metabolic processes and cellular and molecular interactions. Increasing insights into cancer as a complex disease with involvement of the tumor stroma in tumor pathobiological processes have made it clear that for successful control of cancer, treatment strategies should not only be directed at the tumor cells but also targeted at the tumor microenvironment. This requires understanding of the complex molecular and cellular interactions in cancer tissue. Recent developments in imaging technology have increased the possibility to image various pathobiological processes in cancer development and response to treatment. For computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) various improvements in hardware, software, and imaging probes have lifted these modalities from classical anatomical imaging techniques to techniques suitable to image and quantify various physiological processes and molecular and cellular interactions. Next to a more general overview of possible imaging targets in oncology this chapter provides an overview of the various developments in CT and MRI technology and some specific applications.

Paramagnetic self-assembled nanoparticles as supramolecular MRI contrast agents

Nanometer-sized materials offer a wide range of applications in biomedical technologies, particularly imaging and diagnostics. Current scaffolds in the nanometer range predominantly make use of inorganic particles, organic polymers or natural peptide-based macromolecules. In contrast we hereby report a supramolecular approach for the preparation of self-assembled dendritic-like nanoparticles for applications as MRI contrast agents. This strategy combines the benefits from low molecular weight imaging agents with the ones of high molecular weight. Their in vitro properties are confirmed by in vivo measurements: post injection of well-defined and meta-stable nanoparticles allows for high-resolution blood-pool imaging, even at very low Gd(III) doses. These dynamic and modular imaging agents are an important addition to the young field of supramolecular medicine using well-defined nanometer-sized assemblies.

Interaction of Biphenyl-Functionalized Eu(2+)-Containing Cryptate with Albumin: Implications to Contrast Agents in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The influence of albumin on the efficacy of a Eu(2+)-containing complex capable of interacting with human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated at different field strengths (1.4, 3, 7, 9.4, and 11.7 T). Relaxometric measurements indicated that the presence of albumin at higher field strengths (>3 T) did not result in an increase in the relaxivity of the Eu(2+) complex, but a relaxation enhancement of 171 ± 11% was observed at 1.4 T. Titration experiments using different percentages (2, 4.5, 6, 10, 15, and 25% w/v) of HSA and variable-temperature (17)O NMR measurements were performed to understand the effect of albumin on the molecular properties of the biphenyl-functionalized Eu(2+) complex that are relevant to magnetic resonance imaging.

Gd(DOTAla): a single amino acid Gd-complex as a modular tool for high relaxivity MR contrast agent development

MR imaging at high magnetic fields benefits from an increased signal-to-noise ratio; however T(1)-based MR contrast agents show decreasing relaxivity (r(1)) at higher fields. High field, high relaxivity contrast agents can be designed by carefully controlling the rotational dynamics of the molecule. To this end, we investigated applications of the alanine analogue of Gd(DOTA), Gd(DOTAla). Fmoc-protected DOTAla suitable for solid phase peptide synthesis was synthesized and integrated into polypeptide structures. Gd(III) coordination results in very rigid attachment of the metal chelate to the peptide backbone through both the amino acid side chain and coordination of the amide carbonyl. Linear and cyclic monomers (GdL1, GdC1), dimers (Gd(2)L2, Gd(2)C2), and trimers (Gd(3)L3, Gd(3)C3) were prepared and relaxivities were determined at different field strengths ranging from 0.47 to 11.7 T. Amide carbonyl coordination was indirectly confirmed by determination of the hydration number q for the EuL1 integrated into a peptide backbone, q = 0.96 ± 0.09. The water residency time of GdL1 at 37 °C was optimal for relaxivity, τ(M) = 17 ± 2 ns. Increased molecular size leads to increased per Gd relaxivity (from r(1) = 7.5 for GdL1 to 12.9 mM(-1) s(-1) for Gd(3)L3 at 1.4 T, 37 °C). The cyclic, multimeric derivatives exhibited slightly higher relaxivities than the corresponding linearized multimers (Gd(2)C2: r(1) = 10.5 mM(-1) s(-1) versus Gd(2)C2-red r(1) = 9 mM(-1) s(-1) at 1.4 T, 37 °C). Overall, all six synthesized Gd complexes had higher relaxivities at low, intermediate, and high fields than the clinically used small molecule contrast agent [Gd(HP-DO3A)(H(2)O)].

Preparation and characterization of ferrofluid stabilized with biocompatible chitosan and dextran sulfate hybrid biopolymer as a potential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 contrast agent

Chitosan is the deacetylated form of chitin and used in numerous applications. Because it is a good dispersant for metal and/or oxide nanoparticle synthesis, chitosan and its derivatives have been utilized as coating agents for magnetic nanoparticles synthesis, including superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Herein, we demonstrate the water-soluble SPIONs encapsulated with a hybrid polymer composed of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) from chitosan, the positively charged polymer, and dextran sulfate, the negatively charged polymer. The as-prepared hybrid ferrofluid, in which iron chloride salts (Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺) were directly coprecipitated inside the hybrid polymeric matrices, was physic-chemically characterized. Its features include the z-average diameter of 114.3 nm, polydispersity index of 0.174, zeta potential of −41.5 mV and iron concentration of 8.44 mg Fe/mL. Moreover, based on the polymer chain persistence lengths, the anionic surface of the nanoparticles as well as the high R2/R1 ratio of 13.5, we depict the morphology of SPIONs as a cluster because chitosan chains are chemisorbed onto the anionic magnetite surfaces by tangling of the dextran sulfate. Finally, the cellular uptake and biocompatibility assays indicate that the hybrid polymer encapsulating the SPIONs exhibited great potential as a magnetic resonance imaging T2 contrast agent for cell tracking.

Encapsulation of luminescent homoleptic [Ru(dpp)3](2+)-type chromophores within an amphiphilic dendritic environment

A new series of homoleptic metallodendrimers has been synthesized through ruthenium-metal complexation by dendritically modified bathophenanthroline ligands. The presence of hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) groups on the surface of the monodisperse metal complexes enabled the solubilization of all of the fractal species in a wide range of solvents, including water. The specific properties of all of these compounds have been systematically investigated by using photophysical techniques as a function of the generation number. Accordingly, the encapsulation of the highly luminescent [Ru(dpp)(3)](2+)-type (dpp=4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) core unit within a dendritic microenvironment creates a powerful means to shield the center from dioxygen quenching. This shielding effect, as exerted on the phosphorescent ruthenium-derived center, is reflected by enhanced emission intensities and extended excited-state lifetimes that are close to the highest values reported so far, even in an air-equilibrated aqueous medium. Interestingly, when inspecting the largest dendritic assembly, that is, the third-generation assembly, significant drops in emission quantum yields and lifetimes are observed. This anomalous behavior has been attributed to the folding of the branches towards the luminescent core.

Gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance cancer imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a clinical imaging modality effective for anatomical and functional imaging of diseased soft tissues, including solid tumors. MRI contrast agents (CA) have been routinely used for detecting tumor at an early stage. Gadolinium-based CA are the most commonly used CA in clinical MRI. There have been significant efforts to design and develop novel Gd(III) CA with high relaxivity, low toxicity, and specific tumor binding. The relaxivity of the Gd(III) CA can be increased by proper chemical modification. The toxicity of Gd(III) CA can be reduced by increasing the agents' thermodynamic and kinetic stability, as well as optimizing their pharmacokinetic properties. The increasing knowledge in the field of cancer genomics and biology provides an opportunity for designing tumor-specific CA. Various new Gd(III) chelates have been designed and evaluated in animal models for more effective cancer MRI. This review outlines the design and development, physicochemical properties, and in vivo properties of several classes of Gd(III)-based MR CA tumor imaging.

Dynamic cyclen-metal complexes for molecular sensing and chirality signaling

Structural dynamism plays important roles in artificial and biological systems, because it controls structures and functions of various molecules and assemblies. In this review, molecular recognition and self-assembling behavior of dynamic armed cyclen-metal complexes are discussed at the molecular and supramolecular levels. These metal complexes provide useful platforms for molecular receptors, supramolecules, and molecular assemblies that can respond rapidly to guest molecules and environments. Since armed cyclens have many structural and geometrical variations, they form a wide variety of metal complexes having specific sensing and signaling functions. The Lewis acidity of the metal cations plays an essential role in anion binding and in hydrolytic catalysis of phosphate esters. Characteristic luminescence and magnetic properties of lanthanides also enable techniques for effective bio-imaging. They also serve as chiral building blocks for self-assembled architectures, which offer chirality integration effective for chirality sensing and signaling at the supramolecular level.

Nanotheranostics for personalized medicine

The application of nanotechnology in the biomedical field, known as nanomedicine, has gained much interest in the recent past, as versatile strategy for selective drug delivery and diagnostic purposes. The already encouraging results obtained with monofunctional nanomedicines have directed the efforts of the scientists towards the creation of "nanotheranostics" (i.e. theranostic nanomedicines) which integrate imaging and therapeutic functions in a single platform. Nanotheranostics hold great promises because they combine the simultaneous non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of diseases with the exciting possibility to monitor in real time drug release and distribution, thus predicting and validating the effectiveness of the therapy. Due to these features nanotheranostics are extremely attractive for optimizing treatment outcomes in cancer and other severe diseases. The following step is the attempt to use nanotheranostics for performing a real personalized medicine which will tailor optimized treatment to each patient, taking into account the individual variability. Clinical application of nanotheranostics would enable earlier detection and treatment of diseases and earlier assessment of the response, thus allowing screening for patients which would potentially respond to therapy and have higher possibilities of a favorable outcome. This concept makes nanotheranostics extremely appealing to elaborate personalized therapeutic protocols for achieving the maximal benefit along with a high safety profile. Among the several systems developed up to now, this review focuses on the nanotheranostics which, due to the promising results, show the highest potential of translation to clinical applications and may transform into concrete practice the concept of personalized nanomedicine.

Organic radical contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging

We report a molecular design that provides an intravenously injectable organic radical contrast agent (ORCA) for which the molecular (1)H water relaxivity (r(1)) is ca. 5 mM(-1) s(-1). The ORCA is based on spirocyclohexyl nitroxide radicals and poly(ethylene glycol) chains conjugated to a fourth-generation polypropylenimine dendrimer scaffold. The metal-free ORCA has a long shelf life and provides selectively enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in mice for over 1 h.

Strategies for Target-Specific Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This review describes recent research efforts focused on increasing the specificity of contrast agents for proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Contrast agents play an indispensable role in MRI by enhancing the inherent contrast of images; however, the non-specific nature of current clinical contrast agents limits their usefulness. This limitation can be addressed by conjugating contrast agents or contrast-agent-loaded carriers-including polymers, nanoparticles, dendrimers, and liposomes-to molecules that bind to biological sites of interest. An alternative approach to conjugation is synthetically mimicking biological structures with metal complexes that are also contrast agents. In this review, we describe the advantages and limitations of these two targeting strategies with respect to translation from in vitro to in vivo imaging while focusing on advances from the last ten years.

Encapsulation of contrast imaging agents by polypropyleneimine-based dendrimers

Polypropyleneimines (PPIs) functionalized by glycerol-based entities are prepared and characterized by diffusion-ordered spectroscopy NMR. Showing low cytotoxicity against MRC5 fibroblasts, their encapsulation capacities of gadolinium complexes was evaluated. T(1) measurements were performed to determine the relaxivity of the encapsulated gadopentetate dimeglumine (GdBOPTA) in dendrimers of fourth and fifth generation (GD-PPI-4 and GD-PPI-5). Comparison of the GdBOPTA relaxivity and the relaxivity of GdBOPTA-loaded dendrimers showed a slight increase of the gadolinium chelate relaxivity.

One-step facile surface engineering of hydrophobic nanocrystals with designer molecular recognition

High quality nanocrystals have demonstrated substantial potential for biomedical applications. However, being generally hydrophobic, their use has been greatly limited by complicated and inefficient surface engineering that often fails to yield biocompatible nanocrystals with minimal aggregation in biological fluids and active targeting toward specific biomolecules. Using chimeric DNA molecules, we developed a one-step facile surface engineering method for hydrophobic nanocrystals. The procedure is simple and versatile, generating individual nanocrystals with multiple ligands. In addition, the resulting nanocrystals can actively and specifically target various molecular addresses, varying from nucleic acids to cancer cells. Together, the strategy developed here holds great promise in generating critical technologies needed for biomedical applications of nanocrystals.

Maximizing the relaxivity of Gd-complex by synergistic effect of HSA and carboxylfullerene

Macromolecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent Gd-DTPA-HSA (DTPA, diethylene triamine pentacetate acid; HSA, human serum albumin) as a model has been successfully conjugated with trimalonic acid modified C60 for contrast enhancement at clinically used magnetic field strength. The Gd-DTPA-HSA-C60 conjugate exhibit maximal relaxivity (r1 = 86 mM(-1) s(-1) at 0.5 T, 300 K) reported so far, which is much superior to that of the control Gd-DTPA-HSA (r1 = 38 mM(-1 )s(-1)) under the same condition and comparable to the theoretical maximum (r1 = 80-120 mM(-1) s(-1), at 20 MHz and 298 K), indicating the synergistic effect of HSA and carboxylfullerene on the increased contrast enhancement. TEM characterization reveals that both Gd-DTPA-HSA-C60 and Gd-DTPA-HSA can penetrate the cells via endocytosis and trans-membrane, respectively, suggesting the potential to sensitively image the events at the cellular and subcellular levels. In addition, the fusion of fullerene with Gd-DTPA-HSA will further endow the resulting complex with photodynamic therapy (PDT) property and thus combine the modalities of therapy (PDT) and diagnostic imaging (MRI) into one entity. More importantly, the payloaded Gd-DTPA may substitute for other more stable Gd-DOTA and HSA as a theranostic package can further work as a drug delivery carrier and effectively control drug release through proteolysis.