Utilizing a water-soluble cryptophane with fast xenon exchange rates for picomolar sensitivity NMR measurements

R3-Noria-methanesulfonate: A Molecular Cage with Superior Hyperpolarized Xenon-129 MRI Contrast

Hyperpolarized (HP) xenon-129 (129Xe) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to be used as a molecular imaging modality. For this purpose, numerous supramolecular cages have been developed and evaluated in the past. Herein, we report a novel and unique macrocycle that can be successfully utilized for xenon MRI, the resorcinarene trimer methanesulfonate (R3-Noria-MeSO3H). This molecule is capable of two different contrast mechanisms for xenon-MRI, resulting from an increase in the effective spin-spin relaxation and hyperpolarized chemical exchange saturation transfer (HyperCEST). We have demonstrated a superior negative contrast caused by R3-Noria-MeSO3H on HP 129Xe MRI at 3.0 T as well as HyperCEST imaging of the studied macrocycle. Additionally, we have found that the complex aggregation behaviors of R3-Noria-methanesulfonate and its impact on xenon-129 relaxivity are an area for future study.

Cucurbit[6]uril Hyperpolarized Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Pulse Sequence Parameter Optimization and Detectability Limit Assessment at 3.0T

Molecular imaging is the future of personalized medicine; however, it requires effective contrast agents. Hyperpolarized chemical exchange saturation transfer (HyperCEST) can boost the signal of Hyperpolarized 129 Xe MRI and render it a molecular imaging modality of high efficiency. Cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) has been successfully employed in vivo as a contrast agent for HyperCEST MRI, however its performance in a clinical MRI scanner has yet to be optimized. In this study, MRI pulse sequence parameter optimization was first performed in CB6 solutions in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and subsequently in whole sterile citrated bovine blood. The performance of four different depolarization pulse shapes (sinusoidal, 3-lobe sinc (3LS), rectangular (block), and hyperbolic secant (hypsec) was optimized. The detectability limits of CB6 in a clinical 3.0T MRI scanner was assessed using the optimized pulse sequences. The 3LS depolarization pulses performed best, and demonstrated 24 % depletion in a 25 μM solution of CB6 in PBS. It performed similarly in blood. The CB6 detectability limit was found to be 100 μM in citrated bovine blood with a correspondent HyperCEST depletion of 30 % ±9 %. For the first time, the HP 129 Xe HyperCEST effect was observed in red blood cells (RBC) and had a similar strength as HyperCEST in plasma.

NMR chemical shift of confined 129Xe: coordination number, paramagnetic channels and molecular dynamics in a cryptophane-A biosensor

Advances in hyperpolarisation and indirect detection have enabled the development of xenon nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) biosensors (XBSs) for molecule-selective sensing in down to picomolar concentration. Cryptophanes (Crs) are popular cages for hosting the Xe "spy". Understanding the microscopic host-guest chemistry has remained a challenge in the XBS field. While early NMR computations of XBSs did not consider the important effects of host dynamics and explicit solvent, here we model the motionally averaged, relativistic NMR chemical shift (CS) of free Xe, Xe in a prototypic CrA cage and Xe in a water-soluble CrA derivative, each in an explicit H2O solvent, over system configurations generated at three different levels of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We confirm the "contact-type" character of the Xe CS, arising from the increased availability of paramagnetic channels, magnetic couplings between occupied and virtual orbitals through the short-ranged orbital hyperfine operator, when neighbouring atoms are in contact with Xe. Remarkably, the Xe CS in the present, highly dynamic and conformationally flexible situations is found to depend linearly on the coordination number of the Xe atom. We interpret the high- and low-CS situations in terms of the magnetic absorption spectrum and choose our preference among the used MD methods based on comparison with the experimental CS. We check the role of spin-orbit coupling by comparing with fully relativistic CS calculations. The study outlines the computational workflow required to realistically model the CS of Xe confined in dynamic cavity structures under experimental conditions, and contributes to microscopic understanding of XBSs.

Glucose exchange parameters in a subset of physiological conditions

The chemical exchange of labile protons of the hydroxyl groups can be exploited in a variety of magnetic resonance experiments to gain information about the groups and their physicochemical environment. The exchangeable -OH protons provide important contributions to the T2 of water signals thus contributing to the T2-weighted contrast of MRI images. This exchange can be exploited more specifically and sensitively in chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) or longitudinal rotating frame relaxation (T1,ρ) experiments. Since glucose is omnipresent in living organisms, it may be seen as a rather universal probe. Even though the potential was first recognized many years ago, practical use has remained scarce due to numerous challenges. The major limitation is the rather low glucose concentration in most tissues. The other obstacles are related to multiple dependencies of the exchange parameters, such as temperature, pH, and concentration of various ions that are not known in sufficient detail for glucose. Thus, we embarked on evaluating the exchange parameters of a model that included every relevant chemical site for all -OH protons in both dominant enantiomers of glucose. We have (1) obtained conventional one-dimensional proton NMR spectra of glucose solutions in suitable temperature ranges, (2) we have iterated through several exchange models with various degrees of freedom determined by the number of distinguishable -OH proton sites and compared their performance, (3) we extrapolated the parameters of the best model of physiological temperature and (4) we demonstrated the use of the parameters in virtual experiments. As the main results, (1) we have obtained the temperature dependence of exchange parameters with reliable confidence intervals in three different pH values, with two of them reaching physiological temperature, and (2) we show how the parameters can be used in virtual experiments, helping to develop new applications for glucose as an NMR/MRI probe.

Energetics and exchange of xenon and water in a prototypic cryptophane-A biosensor structure

A microscopic description of the energetics and dynamics of xenon NMR biosensors can be experimentally difficult to achieve. We conduct molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations of a prototypical Xe@cryptophane-A biosensor in an explicit water solvent. We compute the non-covalent Xe binding energy, identify the complexation mechanism of Xe, and calculate the exchange dynamics of water molecules between the solution and the host. Three distinct, hitherto unreported Xe exchange processes are identified, and water molecules initialize each one. The obtained binding energies support the existing literature. The residence times and energetics of water guests are reported. An empty host does not remain empty, but is occupied by water. The results contribute to the understanding and development of Xe biosensors based on cryptophane derivatives and alternative host structures.

Cryptophane-xenon complexes for 129Xe MRI applications

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) in the clinical setting enables the acquisition of valuable anatomical information in a rapid, non-invasive fashion. However, MRI applications for identifying disease-related biomarkers are limited due to low sensitivity at clinical magnetic field strengths. The development of hyperpolarized (hp) ¹²⁹Xe MRI/MRS techniques as complements to traditional ¹H-based imaging has been a burgeoning area of research over the past two decades. Pioneering experiments have shown that hp ¹²⁹Xe can be encapsulated within host molecules to generate ultrasensitive biosensors. In particular, xenon has high affinity for cryptophanes, which are small organic cages that can be functionalized with affinity tags, fluorophores, solubilizing groups, and other moieties to identify biomedically relevant analytes. Cryptophane sensors designed for proteins, metal ions, nucleic acids, pH, and temperature have achieved nanomolar-to-femtomolar limits of detection via a combination of ¹²⁹Xe hyperpolarization and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) techniques. This review aims to summarize the development of cryptophane biosensors for ¹²⁹Xe MRI applications, while highlighting innovative biosensor designs and the consequent enhancements in detection sensitivity, which will be invaluable in expanding the scope of ¹²⁹Xe MRI.

This review aims to summarize the development of cryptophane biosensors for ¹²⁹Xe MRI applications, while highlighting innovative biosensor designs and the consequent enhancements in detection sensitivity, which will be invaluable in expanding the scope of ¹²⁹Xe MRI.

Molecular Concentration Determination Using Long-Interval Chemical Exchange Inversion Transfer (CEIT) NMR Spectroscopy

Functionalized hyperpolarized xenon "cage" molecules have often been used for ultrasensitive detection of biomolecules and microenvironment properties. However, the rapid and accurate measurement of molecule concentration is still a challenge. Here, we report a molecule concentration measurement method using long-interval chemical exchange inversion transfer (CEIT) NMR spectroscopy. The molecule concentration can be quantitatively measured with only 2 scans, which shortens the acquisition time by about 10 times compared to conventional Hyper-CEST (chemical exchange saturation transfer) z-spectrum method. Moreover, we found that the accuracy of concentration determination would be the best when the CEIT effect is 1-1/e or close to it, and a relative deviation of CrA-(COOH)₆ less than ±1% has been achieved by only a one-step optimization of the number of cycles. The proposed method enables efficient and accurate determination of molecule concentration, which provides a potential way for rapid quantitative molecular imaging applications.

Solution NMR of synthetic cavity containing supramolecular systems: what have we learned on and from?

NMR has been instrumental in studies of both the structure and dynamics of molecular systems for decades, so it is not surprising that NMR has played a pivotal role in the study of host-guest complexes and supramolecular systems. In this mini-review, selected examples will be used to demonstrate the added value of using (multiparametric) NMR for studying macrocycle-based host-guest and supramolecular systems. We will restrict the discussion to synthetic host systems having a cavity that can engulf their guests thus restricting them into confined spaces. So discussion of selected examples of cavitands, cages, capsules and their complexes, aggregates and polymers as well as organic cages and porous liquids and other porous materials will be used to demonstrate the insights that have been gathered from the extracted NMR parameters when studying such systems emphasizing the information obtained from somewhat less routine NMR methods such as diffusion NMR, diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and their variants. These selected examples demonstrate the impact that the results and findings from these NMR studies have had on our understanding of such systems and on the developments in various research fields.

Versatile non-luminescent color palette based on guest exchange dynamics in paramagnetic cavitands

Multicolor luminescent portrayal of complexed arrays is indispensable for many aspects of science and technology. Nevertheless, challenges such as inaccessible readouts from opaque objects, a limited visible-light spectrum and restricted spectral resolution call for alternative approaches for multicolor representation. Here, we present a strategy for spatial COlor Display by Exploiting Host-guest Dynamics (CODE-HD), comprising a paramagnetic cavitand library and various guests. First, a set of lanthanide-cradled α-cyclodextrins (Ln-CDs) is designed to induce pseudo-contact shifts in the ¹⁹F-NMR spectrum of Ln-CD-bound guest. Then, capitalizing on reversible host-guest binding dynamics and using magnetization-transfer ¹⁹F-MRI, pseudo-colored maps of complexed arrays are acquired and applied in molecular-steganography scenarios, showing CODE-HD’s ability to generate versatile outputs for information encoding. By exploiting the widely shifted resonances induced by Ln-CDs, the guest versatility and supramolecular systems' reversibility, CODE-HD provides a switchable, polychromatic palette, as an advanced strategy for light-free, multicolor-mapping.

Host-guest supramolecular chemistry can be used as a tool to develop multicolor displays. Here, the authors present a system based on lanthanide-cradled cyclodextrins that allows to construct MRI-readable and erasable artificial non-luminescent color palettes.

Photosensitive MRI biosensor for BCRP-Targeted uptake and light-induced inhibition of tumor cells

Riboflavin and its derivatives are the most important coenzymes in vivo metabolism, and are closely related to life activities. In this paper, the first photolysis ¹²⁹Xe biosensor was developed by combining cryptophane-A with riboflavin moiety, which showed photosensitivity recorded by hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe NMR/MRI technology with an obvious chemical shift change of 5.3 ppm in aqueous solution. Cellular fluorescence imaging confirmed that the biosensor could be enriched in MCF-7 cells, and MTT assays confirmed that the cytotoxicity was enhanced after irradiation. Findings suggested that the biosensor has a potential application in tumor targeting and the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation after photodegradation.

Monomeric Cryptophane with Record-High Xe Affinity Gives Insights into Aggregation-Dependent Sensing

Cryptophane host molecules provide ultrasensitive contrast agents for ¹²⁹Xe NMR/MRI. To investigate key features of cryptophane-Xe sensing behavior, we designed a novel water-soluble cryptophane with a pendant hydrophobic adamantyl moiety, which has good affinity for a model receptor, beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Adamantyl-functionalized cryptophane-A (AFCA) was synthesized and characterized for Xe affinity, ¹²⁹Xe NMR signal, and aggregation state at varying AFCA and β-CD concentrations. The Xe-AFCA association constant was determined by fluorescence quenching, K_A = 114,000 ± 5000 M^-1 at 293 K, which is the highest reported affinity for a cryptophane host in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2). No hyperpolarized (hp) ¹²⁹Xe NMR peak corresponding to AFCA-bound Xe was directly observed at high (100 μM) AFCA concentration, where small cryptophane aggregates were observed, and was only detected at low (15 μM) AFCA concentration, where the sensor remained fully monomeric in solution. Additionally, we observed no change in the chemical shift of AFCA-encapsulated ¹²⁹Xe after β-CD binding to the adamantyl moiety and a concomitant lack of change in the size distribution of the complex, suggesting that a change in the aggregation state is necessary to elicit a ¹²⁹Xe NMR chemical shift in cryptophane-based sensing. These results aid in further elucidating the recently discovered aggregation phenomenon, highlight limitations of cryptophane-based Xe sensing, and offer insights into the design of monomeric, high-affinity Xe sensors.

Elucidating dissociation activation energies in host-guest assemblies featuring fast exchange dynamics

The ability to mediate the kinetic properties and dissociation activation energies (E _a) of bound guests by controlling the characteristics of "supramolecular lids" in host-guest molecular systems is essential for both their design and performance. While the synthesis of such systems is well advanced, the experimental quantification of their kinetic parameters, particularly in systems experiencing fast association and dissociation dynamics, has been very difficult or impossible with the established methods at hand. Here, we demonstrate the utility of the NMR-based guest exchange saturation transfer (GEST) approach for quantifying the dissociation exchange rates (k _out) and activation energy (E _a,out) in host-guest systems featuring fast dissociation dynamics. Our assessment of the effect of different monovalent cations on the extracted E _a,out in cucurbit[7]uril:guest systems with very fast k _out highlights their role as "supramolecular lids" in mediating a guest's dissociation E _a. We envision that GEST could be further extended to study kinetic parameters in other supramolecular systems characterized by fast kinetic properties and to design novel switchable host-guest assemblies.

Decacationic Pillar[5]arene: A New Scaffold for the Development of 129Xe MRI Imaging Agents

A decacationic water-soluble pillar[5]arene possessing a nonsolvated hydrophobic core has been designed and synthesized. This supramolecular host is capable of binding xenon, as evidenced by hyperCEST depletion experiments. Fluorescence-based studies also demonstrate that xenon binds into the cavity of the pillararene with an association constant of 4.6 × 103 M-1. These data indicate that the water-soluble pillararene is a potential scaffold for building contrast agents that can be detected by xenon-129 magnetic resonance imaging.

129Xe NMR-Protein Sensor Reveals Cellular Ribose Concentration

Dysregulation of cellular ribose uptake can be indicative of metabolic abnormalities or tumorigenesis. However, analytical methods are currently limited for quantifying ribose concentration in complex biological samples. Here, we utilize the highly specific recognition of ribose by ribose-binding protein (RBP) to develop a single-protein ribose sensor detectable via a sensitive NMR technique known as hyperpolarized 129Xe chemical exchange saturation transfer (hyper-CEST). We demonstrate that RBP, with a tunable ribose-binding site and further engineered to bind xenon, enables the quantitation of ribose over a wide concentration range (nM to mM). Ribose binding induces the RBP "closed" conformation, which slows Xe exchange to a rate detectable by hyper-CEST. Such detection is remarkably specific for ribose, with the minimal background signal from endogenous sugars of similar size and structure, for example, glucose or ribose-6-phosphate. Ribose concentration was measured for mammalian cell lysate and serum, which led to estimates of low-mM ribose in a HeLa cell line. This highlights the potential for using genetically encoded periplasmic binding proteins such as RBP to measure metabolites in different biological fluids, tissues, and physiologic states.

Paramagnetic Organocobalt Capsule Revealing Xenon Host-Guest Chemistry

We investigated Xe binding in a previously reported paramagnetic metal-organic tetrahedral capsule, [Co4L6]4-, where L2- = 4,4'-bis[(2-pyridinylmethylene)amino][1,1'-biphenyl]-2,2'-disulfonate. The Xe-inclusion complex, [XeCo4L6]4-, was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy to be the dominant species in aqueous solution saturated with Xe gas. The measured Xe dissociation rate in [XeCo4L6]4-, koff = 4.45(5) × 102 s-1, was at least 40 times greater than that in the analogous [XeFe4L6]4- complex, highlighting the capability of metal-ligand interactions to tune the capsule size and guest permeability. The rapid exchange of 129Xe nuclei in [XeCo4L6]4- produced significant hyperpolarized 129Xe chemical exchange saturation transfer (hyper-CEST) NMR signal at 298 K, detected at a concentration of [XeCo4L6]4- as low as 100 pM, with presaturation at -89 ppm, which was referenced to solvated 129Xe in H2O. The saturation offset was highly temperature-dependent with a slope of -0.41(3) ppm/K, which is attributed to hyperfine interactions between the encapsulated 129Xe nucleus and electron spins on the four CoII centers. As such, [XeCo4L6]4- represents the first example of a paramagnetic hyper-CEST (paraHYPERCEST) sensor. Remarkably, the hyper-CEST 129Xe NMR resonance for [XeCo4L6]4- (δ = -89 ppm) was shifted 105 ppm upfield from the diamagnetic analogue [XeFe4L6]4- (δ = +16 ppm). The Xe inclusion complex was further characterized in the crystal structure of (C(NH2)3)4[Xe0.7Co4L6]·75 H2O (1). Hydrogen bonding between capsule-linker sulfonate groups and exogenous guanidinium cations, (C(NH2)3)+, stabilized capsule-capsule interactions in the solid state and also assisted in trapping a Xe atom (∼42 Å3) in the large (135 Å3) cavity of 1. Magnetic susceptibility measurements confirmed the presence of four noninteracting, magnetically anisotropic high-spin CoII centers in 1. Furthermore, [Co4L6]4- was found to be stable toward aggregation and oxidation, and the CEST performance of [XeCo4L6]4- was unaffected by biological macromolecules in H2O. These results recommend metal-organic capsules for fundamental investigations of Xe host-guest chemistry as well as applications with highly sensitive 129Xe-based sensors.

Detecting protein-protein interactions by Xe-129 NMR

Detection of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is limited by current bioanalytical methods. A protein complementation assay (PCA), split TEM-1 β-lactamase, interacts with xenon at the interface of the TEM-1 fragments. Reconstitution of TEM-1-promoted here by cFos/cJun leucine zipper interaction-gives rise to sensitive 129Xe NMR signal in bacterial cells.

Nanoparticle-Based Contrast Agents for 129Xe HyperCEST NMR and MRI Applications

Spin hyperpolarization techniques have enabled important advancements in preclinical and clinical MRI applications to overcome the intrinsic low sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance. Functionalized xenon biosensors represent one of these approaches. They combine two amplification strategies, namely, spin exchange optical pumping (SEOP) and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The latter one requires host structures that reversibly bind the hyperpolarized noble gas. Different nanoparticle approaches have been implemented and have enabled molecular MRI with 129Xe at unprecedented sensitivity. This review gives an overview of the Xe biosensor concept, particularly how different nanoparticles address various critical aspects of gas binding and exchange, spectral dispersion for multiplexing, and targeted reporter delivery. As this concept is emerging into preclinical applications, comprehensive sensor design will be indispensable in translating the outstanding sensitivity potential into biomedical molecular imaging applications.

Stability Enhancement of 129Xe Hyperpolarizing System Using Alkali Metal Vapor in Spin-Exchange Optical Pumping Cell to Achieve High NMR Sensitivity

Hyperpolarized (HP) ¹²⁹Xe NMR and MRI have enabled ¹²⁹Xe studies with extraordinarily enhanced sensitivity, stimulating new developments in magnetic resonance in chemistry, physics, biology and medicine. However, the standard method of HP ¹²⁹Xe production inevitably demands Rb vapor for the excitation, which has made the method very sensitive to impurities such as water or oxygen. This is the case especially in the recirculating system. In the present study, stability of the hyperpolarizing system is discussed by proposing the "cell decay constant", which symbolizes the decay rate of the NMR signal obtained from the system. The cell decay constant is effectively decreased to 1/3 by introducing separated chambers and mechanical stirring of the alkali metals used in the system, making it effective for accumulating FIDs over 30 to 100 h. The newly developed hyperpolarizing system has been successfully applied for newly detecting a broad signal at 190 ppm with an industrial material Nanofiber.

19F-GEST NMR: studying dynamic interactions in host–guest systems

GEST NMR provides dynamic information on host–guest systems. It allows signal amplification of low concentrated complexes, detection of intermolecular interactions and quantification of guest exchange rates.

An intracellular diamine oxidase triggered hyperpolarized 129Xe magnetic resonance biosensor

Here, a novel method was developed for suppressing 129Xe signals in cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) until the trigger is activated by a specific enzyme. Due to its noncovalent interactions with amino-groups and CB6, putrescine dihydrochloride (Put) was chosen for blocking interactions between 129Xe and CB6. Upon adding diamine oxidase (DAO), Put was released from CB6 and a 129Xe@CB6 Hyper-CEST signal emerged. This proposed 129Xe biosensor was then tested in small intestinal villus epithelial cells.

A Structural Basis for 129 Xe Hyper-CEST Signal in TEM-1 β-Lactamase

Genetically encoded (GE) contrast agents detectable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enable non-invasive visualization of gene expression and cell proliferation at virtually unlimited penetration depths. Using hyperpolarized ¹²⁹ Xe in combination with chemical exchange saturation transfer, an MR contrast approach known as hyper-CEST, enables ultrasensitive protein detection and biomolecular imaging. GE MRI contrast agents developed to date include nanoscale proteinaceous gas vesicles as well as the monomeric bacterial proteins TEM-1 β-lactamase (bla) and maltose binding protein (MBP). To improve understanding of hyper-CEST NMR with proteins, structural and computational studies were performed to further characterize the Xe-bla interaction. X-ray crystallography validated the location of a high-occupancy Xe binding site predicted by MD simulations, and mutagenesis experiments confirmed this Xe site as the origin of the observed CEST contrast. Structural studies and MD simulations with representative bla mutants offered additional insight regarding the relationship between local protein structure and CEST contrast.

Cryptophane Nanoscale Assemblies Expand 129Xe NMR Biosensing

Cryptophane-based biosensors are promising agents for the ultrasensitive detection of biomedically relevant targets via 129Xe NMR. Dynamic light scattering revealed that cryptophanes form water-soluble aggregates tens to hundreds of nanometers in size. Acridine orange fluorescence quenching assays allowed quantitation of the aggregation state, with critical concentrations ranging from 200 nM to 600 nM, depending on the cryptophane species in solution. The addition of excess carbonic anhydrase (CA) protein target to a benzenesulfonamide-functionalized cryptophane biosensor (C8B) led to C8B disaggregation and produced the expected 1:1 C8B-CA complex. C8B showed higher affinity at 298 K for the cytoplasmic isozyme CAII than the extracellular CAXII isozyme, which is a biomarker of cancer. Using hyper-CEST NMR, we explored the role of stoichiometry in detecting these two isozymes. Under CA-saturating conditions, we observed that isozyme CAII produces a larger 129Xe NMR chemical shift change (δ = 5.9 ppm, relative to free biosensor) than CAXII (δ = 2.7 ppm), which indicates the strong potential for isozyme-specific detection. However, stoichiometry-dependent chemical shift data indicated that biosensor disaggregation contributes to the observed 129Xe NMR chemical shift change that is normally assigned to biosensor-target binding. Finally, we determined that monomeric cryptophane solutions improve hyper-CEST saturation contrast, which enables ultrasensitive detection of biosensor-protein complexes. These insights into cryptophane-solution behavior support further development of xenon biosensors, but will require reinterpretation of the data previously obtained for many water-soluble cryptophanes.

Cyclodextrin-Based Pseudorotaxanes: Easily Conjugatable Scaffolds for Synthesizing Hyperpolarized Xenon-129 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Agents

Hyperpolarized (HP) xenon-129 (Xe) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has the potential to detect biological analytes with high sensitivity and high resolution when coupled with xenon-encapsulating molecular probes. Despite the development of numerous HP Xe probes, one of the challenges that has hampered the translation of these agents from in vitro demonstration to in vivo testing is the difficulty in synthesizing the Xe-encapsulating cage molecule. In this study, we demonstrate that a pseudorotaxane, based on a γ-cyclodextrin macrocycle, is easily synthesized in one step and is detectable using HyperCEST-enhanced ¹²⁹Xe MR spectroscopy.

Quantitative biosensor detection by chemically exchanging hyperpolarized 129Xe

Quantitative modeling and evaluation of biosensor detection by hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe chemical exchange saturation transfer (Hyper-CEST).

Quantifying Guest Exchange in Supramolecular Systems

The ability to accurately determine and quantitatively evaluate kinetic phenomena associated with supramolecular assemblies, in real time, is key to a better understanding of their defined architectures and diverse functionalities. Therefore, analytical tools that can precisely assess a wide range of exchange rates within such systems are of considerable importance. This study demonstrates the ability to use an NMR approach based on saturation transfer for the determination of rates of guest exchange from molecular capsules. By using cavitands that assemble into distinct dimeric assemblies, we show that this approach, which we term guest exchange saturation transfer (GEST), allows the use of a conventional NMR setup to study and quantitatively assess a wide range of exchange rates, from 35 to more than 5000 s^-1 .

Nanomolar small-molecule detection using a genetically encoded 129Xe NMR contrast agent

Genetically encoded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents enable non-invasive detection of specific biomarkers in vivo.

Genetically encoded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents enable non-invasive detection of specific biomarkers in vivo. Here, we employed the hyper-CEST ¹²⁹Xe NMR technique to quantify maltose (32 nM to 1 mM) through its modulation of conformational change and xenon exchange in maltose binding protein (MBP). Remarkably, no hyper-CEST signal was observed for MBP in the absence of maltose, making MBP an ultrasensitive “smart” contrast agent. The resonance frequency of ¹²⁹Xe bound to MBP was greatly downfield-shifted (Δδ = 95 ppm) from the ¹²⁹Xe_(aq) peak, which facilitated detection in E. coli as well as multiplexing with TEM-1 β-lactamase. Finally, a Val to Ala mutation at the MBP–Xe binding site yielded 34% more contrast than WT, with ¹²⁹Xe resonance frequency shifted 59 ppm upfield from WT. We conclude that engineered MBPs constitute a new class of genetically encoded, analyte-sensitive molecular imaging agents detectable by ¹²⁹Xe NMR/MRI.

Inside information on xenon adsorption in porous organic cages by NMR

A solid porous molecular crystal formed from an organic cage, CC3, has unprecedented performance for the separation of rare gases. Here, xenon was used as an internal reporter providing extraordinarily versatile information about the gas adsorption phenomena in the cage and window cavities of the material. 129Xe NMR measurements combined with state-of-the-art quantum chemical calculations allowed the determination of the occupancies of the cavities, binding constants, thermodynamic parameters as well as the exchange rates of Xe between the cavities. Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) experiments revealed a minor window cavity site with a significantly lower exchange rate than other sites. Diffusion measurements showed significantly reduced mobility of xenon with loading. 129Xe spectra also revealed that the cage cavity sites are preferred at lower loading levels, due to more favourable binding, whereas window sites come to dominate closer to saturation because of their greater prevalence.

Advances in Monitoring Cell-Based Therapies with Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Future Perspectives

Cell-based therapies are currently being developed for applications in both regenerative medicine and in oncology. Preclinical, translational, and clinical research on cell-based therapies will benefit tremendously from novel imaging approaches that enable the effective monitoring of the delivery, survival, migration, biodistribution, and integration of transplanted cells. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers several advantages over other imaging modalities for elucidating the fate of transplanted cells both preclinically and clinically. These advantages include the ability to image transplanted cells longitudinally at high spatial resolution without exposure to ionizing radiation, and the possibility to co-register anatomical structures with molecular processes and functional changes. However, since cellular MRI is still in its infancy, it currently faces a number of challenges, which provide avenues for future research and development. In this review, we describe the basic principle of cell-tracking with MRI; explain the different approaches currently used to monitor cell-based therapies; describe currently available MRI contrast generation mechanisms and strategies for monitoring transplanted cells; discuss some of the challenges in tracking transplanted cells; and suggest future research directions.

NMR Hyperpolarization Techniques of Gases

Nuclear spin polarization can be significantly increased through the process of hyperpolarization, leading to an increase in the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments by 4-8 orders of magnitude. Hyperpolarized gases, unlike liquids and solids, can often be readily separated and purified from the compounds used to mediate the hyperpolarization processes. These pure hyperpolarized gases enabled many novel MRI applications including the visualization of void spaces, imaging of lung function, and remote detection. Additionally, hyperpolarized gases can be dissolved in liquids and can be used as sensitive molecular probes and reporters. This Minireview covers the fundamentals of the preparation of hyperpolarized gases and focuses on selected applications of interest to biomedicine and materials science.

An Expanded Palette of Xenon-129 NMR Biosensors

Molecular imaging holds considerable promise for elucidating biological processes in normal physiology as well as disease states, by determining the location and relative concentration of specific molecules of interest. Proton-based magnetic resonance imaging (¹H MRI) is nonionizing and provides good spatial resolution for clinical imaging but lacks sensitivity for imaging low-abundance (i.e., submicromolar) molecular markers of disease or environments with low proton densities. To address these limitations, hyperpolarized (hp) ¹²⁹Xe NMR spectroscopy and MRI have emerged as attractive complementary methodologies. Hyperpolarized xenon is nontoxic and can be readily delivered to patients via inhalation or injection, and improved xenon hyperpolarization technology makes it feasible to image the lungs and brain for clinical applications.

In order to target hp ¹²⁹Xe to biomolecular targets of interest, the concept of “xenon biosensing” was first proposed by a Berkeley team in 2001. The development of xenon biosensors has since focused on modifying organic host molecules (e.g., cryptophanes) via diverse conjugation chemistries and has brought about numerous sensing applications including the detection of peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, metal ions, chemical modifications, and enzyme activity. Moreover, the large (∼300 ppm) chemical shift window for hp ¹²⁹Xe bound to host molecules in water makes possible the simultaneous identification of multiple species in solution, that is, multiplexing. Beyond hyperpolarization, a 10⁶-fold signal enhancement can be achieved through a technique known as hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe chemical exchange saturation transfer (hyper-CEST), which shows great potential to meet the sensitivity requirement in many applications.

This Account highlights an expanded palette of hyper-CEST biosensors, which now includes cryptophane and cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) small-molecule hosts, as well as genetically encoded gas vesicles and single proteins. In 2015, we reported picomolar detection of commercially available CB[6] via hyper-CEST. Inspired by the versatile host–guest chemistry of CB[6], our lab and others developed “turn-on” strategies for CB[6]-hyper-CEST biosensing, demonstrating detection of protein analytes in complex media and specific chemical events. CB[6] is starting to be employed for in vivo imaging applications. We also recently determined that TEM-1 β-lactamase can function as a single-protein reporter for hyper-CEST and observed useful saturation contrast for β-lactamase expressed in bacterial and mammalian cells. These newly developed small-molecule and genetically encoded xenon biosensors offer significant potential to extend the scope of hp ¹²⁹Xe toward molecular MRI.

Targeted Molecular Imaging of Cancer Cells Using MS2-Based (129)Xe NMR

We have synthesized targeted, selective, and highly sensitive (129)Xe NMR nanoscale biosensors using a spherical MS2 viral capsid, Cryptophane A molecules, and DNA aptamers. The biosensors showed strong binding specificity toward targeted lymphoma cells (Ramos line). Hyperpolarized (129)Xe NMR signal contrast and hyper-CEST (129)Xe MRI image contrast indicated its promise as highly sensitive hyperpolarized (129)Xe NMR nanoscale biosensor for future applications in cancer detection in vivo.

A Genetically Encoded β-Lactamase Reporter for Ultrasensitive (129) Xe NMR in Mammalian Cells

Molecular imaging holds considerable promise for elucidating biological processes in normal physiology as well as disease states, but requires noninvasive methods for identifying analytes at sub-micromolar concentrations. Particularly useful are genetically encoded, single-protein reporters that harness the power of molecular biology to visualize specific molecular processes, but such reporters have been conspicuously lacking for in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Herein, we report TEM-1 β-lactamase (bla) as a single-protein reporter for hyperpolarized (HP) (129) Xe NMR, with significant saturation contrast at 0.1 μm. Xenon chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) interactions with the primary allosteric site in bla give rise to a unique saturation peak at 255 ppm, well removed (≈60 ppm downfield) from the (129) Xe-H2 O peak. Useful saturation contrast was also observed for bla expressed in bacterial cells and mammalian cells.

Design and comparison of exchange spectroscopy approaches to cryptophane-xenon host-guest kinetics

Exchange spectroscopy is used in combination with a variation of xenon concentration to disentangle the kinetics of the reversible binding of xenon to cryptophane-A. The signal intensity of either free or crytophane-bound xenon decays in a manner characteristic of the underlying exchange reactions when the spins in the other pool are perturbed. Three experimental approaches, including the well-known Hyper-CEST method, are shown to effectively entail a simple linear dependence of the signal depletion rate, or of a related quantity, on free xenon concentration. This occurs when using spin pool saturation or inversion followed by free exchange. The identification and quantification of contributions to the binding kinetics is then straightforward: in the depletion rate plot, the intercept at the vanishing free xenon concentration represents the kinetic rate coefficient for xenon detachment from the host by dissociative processes while the slope is indicative of the kinetic rate coefficient for degenerate exchange reactions. Comparing quantified kinetic rates for hyperpolarized xenon in aqueous solution reveals the high accuracy of each approach but also shows differences in the precision of the numerical results and in the requirements for prior knowledge. Because of their broad range of applicability the proposed exchange spectroscopy experiments can be readily used to unravel the kinetics of complex formation of xenon with host molecules in the various situations appearing in practice.

Low-field thermal mixing in [1-13C] pyruvic acid for brute-force hyperpolarization

We detail the process of low-field thermal mixing (LFTM) between ¹H and ¹³C nuclei in neat [1-¹³C] pyruvic acid at cryogenic temperatures (4–15 K).

Transport and imaging of brute-force (13)C hyperpolarization

We demonstrate transport of hyperpolarized frozen 1-(13)C pyruvic acid from its site of production to a nearby facility, where a time series of (13)C images was acquired from the aqueous dissolution product. Transportability is tied to the hyperpolarization (HP) method we employ, which omits radical electron species used in other approaches that would otherwise relax away the HP before reaching the imaging center. In particular, we attained (13)C HP by 'brute-force', i.e., using only low temperature and high-field (e.g., T<∼2K and B∼14T) to pre-polarize protons to a large Boltzmann value (∼0.4% (1)H polarization). After polarizing the neat, frozen sample, ejection quickly (<1s) passed it through a low field (B<100G) to establish the (1)H pre-polarization spin temperature on (13)C via the process known as low-field thermal mixing (yielding ∼0.1% (13)C polarization). By avoiding polarization agents (a.k.a. relaxation agents) that are needed to hyperpolarize by the competing method of dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (d-DNP), the (13)C relaxation time was sufficient to transport the sample for ∼10min before finally dissolving in warm water and obtaining a (13)C image of the hyperpolarized, dilute, aqueous product (∼0.01% (13)C polarization, a >100-fold gain over thermal signals in the 1T scanner). An annealing step, prior to polarizing the sample, was also key for increasing T1∼30-fold during transport. In that time, HP was maintained using only modest cryogenics and field (T∼60K and B=1.3T), for T1((13)C) near 5min. Much greater time and distance (with much smaller losses) may be covered using more-complete annealing and only slight improvements on transport conditions (e.g., yielding T1∼5h at 30K, 2T), whereas even intercity transfer is possible (T1>20h) at reasonable conditions of 6K and 2T. Finally, it is possible to increase the overall enhancement near d-DNP levels (i.e., 10(2)-fold more) by polarizing below 100mK, where nanoparticle agents are known to hasten T1 buildup by 100-fold, and to yield very little impact on T1 losses at temperatures relevant to transport.

Identification, classification, and signal amplification capabilities of high-turnover gas binding hosts in ultra-sensitive NMR

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) can be a powerful tool for investigating exchange kinetics of host-guest interactions in solution. Beyond conventional direct NMR detection, radiofrequency (RF) saturation transfer can be used to enhance the study of such chemical exchange or to enable signal amplification from a dilute host. However, systems that are both dilute and labile (fast dissociation/re-association) impose specific challenges to direct as well as saturation transfer detection. Here we investigate host-guest systems under previously inaccessible conditions using saturation transfer techniques in combination with hyperpolarized nuclei and quantitative evaluation under different RF exposure. We further use that information to illustrate the consequences for signal amplification capabilities and correct interpretation of observed signal contrast from comparative exchange data of different types of hosts. In particular, we compare binding of xenon (Xe) to cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) with binding to cryptophane-A monoacid (CrA) in water as two different model systems. The Xe complexation with CB6 is extremely difficult to access by conventional NMR due to its low water solubility. We successfully quantified the exchange kinetics of this system and found that the absence of Xe signals related to encapsulated Xe in conventional hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe NMR is due to line broadening and not due to low binding. By introducing a measure for the gas turnover during constant association-dissociation, we demonstrate that the signal amplification from a dilute pool of CB6 can turn this host into a very powerful contrast agent for Xe MRI applications (100-fold more efficient than cryptophane). However, labile systems only provide improved signal amplification for suitable saturation conditions and otherwise become disadvantageous. The method is applicable to many hosts where Xe is a suitable spy nucleus to probe for non-covalent interactions and should foster reinvestigation of several systems to delineate true absence of interaction from labile complex formation.

Brute-Force Hyperpolarization for NMR and MRI

Hyperpolarization (HP) of nuclear spins is critical for ultrasensitive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We demonstrate an approach for >1500-fold enhancement of key small-molecule metabolites: 1-(13)C-pyruvic acid, 1-(13)C-sodium lactate, and 1-(13)C-acetic acid. The (13)C solution NMR signal of pyruvic acid was enhanced 1600-fold at B = 1 T and 40 °C by pre-polarizing at 14 T and ∼2.3 K. This "brute-force" approach uses only field and temperature to generate HP. The noted 1 T observation field is appropriate for benchtop NMR and near the typical 1.5 T of MRI, whereas high-field observation scales enhancement as 1/B. Our brute-force process ejects the frozen, solid sample from the low-T, high-B polarizer, passing it through low field (B < 100 G) to facilitate "thermal mixing". That equilibrates (1)H and (13)C in hundreds of milliseconds, providing (13)C HP from (1)H Boltzmann polarization attained at high B/T. The ejected sample arrives at a room-temperature, permanent magnet array, where rapid dissolution with 40 °C water yields HP solute. Transfer to a 1 T NMR system yields (13)C signals with enhancements at 80% of ideal for noted polarizing conditions. High-resolution NMR of the same product at 9.4 T had consistent enhancement plus resolution of (13)C shifts and J-couplings for pyruvic acid and its hydrate. Comparable HP was achieved with frozen aqueous lactate, plus notable enhancement of acetic acid, demonstrating broader applicability for small-molecule NMR and metabolic MRI. Brute-force avoids co-solvated free-radicals and microwaves that are essential to competing methods. Here, unadulterated samples obviate concerns about downstream purity and also exhibit slow solid-state spin relaxation, favorable for transporting HP samples.

Cucurbit[6]uril is an ultrasensitive (129)Xe NMR contrast agent

A lack of molecular contrast agents has slowed the application of ultrasensitive hyperpolarized (129)Xe NMR methods. Here, we report that commercially available cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) undergoes rapid xenon exchange kinetics at 300 K, and is detectable by Hyper-CEST NMR at 1.8 pM in PBS and at 1 μM in human plasma where many molecules, including polyamines, can compete with xenon for CB[6] binding.

A "Smart" ¹²⁸Xe NMR Biosensor for pH-Dependent Cell Labeling

Here we present a "smart" xenon-129 NMR biosensor that undergoes a peptide conformational change and labels cells in acidic environments. To a cryptophane host molecule with high Xe affinity, we conjugated a 30mer EALA-repeat peptide that is α-helical at pH 5.5 and disordered at pH 7.5. The (129)Xe NMR chemical shift at room temperature was strongly pH-dependent (Δδ = 3.4 ppm): δ = 64.2 ppm at pH 7.5 vs δ = 67.6 ppm at pH 5.5, where Trp(peptide)-cryptophane interactions were evidenced by Trp fluorescence quenching. Using hyper-CEST NMR, we probed peptidocryptophane detection limits at low-picomolar (10(-11) M) concentration, which compares favorably to other NMR pH reporters at 10(-2)-10(-3) M. Finally, in biosensor-HeLa cell solutions, peptide-cell membrane insertion at pH 5.5 generated a 13.4 ppm downfield cryptophane-(129)Xe NMR chemical shift relative to pH 7.5 studies. This highlights new uses for (129)Xe as an ultrasensitive probe of peptide structure and function, along with potential applications for pH-dependent cell labeling in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Brain endothelial cell targeting via a peptide-functionalized liposomal carrier for xenon hyper-CEST MRI

A nanoparticulate carrier system is used to efficiently deliver a contrast agent for highly sensitive xenon Hyper-CEST MRI. The carrier system not only improves the biocompatibility and solubility of the contrast agent, it also allows selective cell targeting as demonstrated by the discrimination of human brain capillary and aortic endothelial cells.

Degeneracy in cryptophane–xenon complex formation in aqueous solution

Degenerate exchange prevails in the cryptophane-A–xenon host–guest system in aqueous solution.

Depolarization Laplace transform analysis of exchangeable hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe for detecting ordering phases and cholesterol content of biomembrane models

We present a highly sensitive nuclear-magnetic resonance technique to study membrane dynamics that combines the temporary encapsulation of spin-hyperpolarized xenon ((129)Xe) atoms in cryptophane-A-monoacid (CrAma) and their indirect detection through chemical exchange saturation transfer. Radiofrequency-labeled Xe@CrAma complexes exhibit characteristic differences in chemical exchange saturation transfer-driven depolarization when interacting with binary membrane models composed of different molecular ratios of DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine). The method is also applied to mixtures of cholesterol and POPC. The existence of domains that fluctuate in cluster size in DPPC/POPC models at a high (75-98%) DPPC content induces up to a fivefold increase in spin depolarization time τ at 297 K. In POPC/cholesterol model membranes, the parameter τ depends linearly on the cholesterol content at 310 K and allows us to determine the cholesterol content with an accuracy of at least 5%.

Development of an antibody-based, modular biosensor for 129Xe NMR molecular imaging of cells at nanomolar concentrations

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is seriously limited when aiming for visualization of targeted contrast agents. Images are reconstructed from the weak diamagnetic properties of the sample and require an abundant molecule like water as the reporter. Micromolar to millimolar concentrations of conventional contrast agents are needed to generate image contrast, thus excluding many molecular markers as potential targets. To address this limitation, we developed and characterized a functional xenon NMR biosensor that can identify a specific cell surface marker by targeted (129)Xe MRI. Cells expressing the cell surface protein CD14 can be spatially distinguished from control cells with incorporation of as little as 20 nM of the xenon MRI readout unit, cryptophane-A. Cryptophane-A serves as a chemical host for hyperpolarized nuclei and facilitates the sensitivity enhancement achieved by xenon MRI. Although this paper describes the application of a CD14-specific biosensor, the construct has been designed in a versatile, modular fashion. This allows for quick and easy adaptation of the biosensor to any cell surface target for which there is a specific antibody. In addition, the modular design facilitates the creation of a multifunctional probe that incorporates readout modules for different detection methods, such as fluorescence, to complement the primary MRI readout. This modular antibody-based approach not only offers a practical technique with which to screen targets, but one which can be readily applied as the xenon MRI field moves closer to molecular imaging applications in vivo.