Isomeric Co(ii) paraCEST agents as pH responsive MRI probes

Redox-Responsive MRI Probes Based on First-Row Transition-Metal Complexes

The presence of multiple oxidation and spin states of first-row transition-metal complexes facilitates the development of switchable MRI probes. Redox-responsive probes capitalize on a change in the magnetic properties of the different oxidation states of the paramagnetic metal ion center upon exposure to biological oxidants and reductants. Transition-metal complexes that are useful for MRI can be categorized according to whether they accelerate water proton relaxation (T₁ or T₂ agents), induce paramagnetic shifts of ¹H or ¹⁹F resonances (paraSHIFT agents), or are chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) agents. The various oxidation state couples and their properties as MRI probes are summarized with a focus on Co(II)/Co(III) or Fe(II)/Fe(III) complexes as small molecules or as liposomal agents. Solution studies of these MRI probes are reviewed with an emphasis on redox changes upon treatment with oxidants or with enzymes that are physiologically important in inflammation and disease. Finally, we outline the challenges of developing these probes further for in vivo MRI applications.

Stable and inert macrocyclic cobalt(II) and nickel(II) complexes with paraCEST response

We report the synthesis of the macrocyclic ligands 3,9-PC2AMH (2,2'-(3,6,9-triaza-1(2,6)-pyridinacyclodecaphane-3,9-diyl)diacetamide) and 3,9-PC2AMtBu (2,2'-(3,6,9-triaza-1(2,6)-pyridinacyclodecaphane-3,9-diyl)bis(N-tert-butyl)acetamide) which contain a pyclen platform functionalized with acetamide or tert-butylacetamide pendant arms at positions 3 and 9 of the macrocyclic unit. The corresponding Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes were prepared, isolated and characterised as potential paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (paraCEST) agents. The X-ray structures of the Ni(II) complexes reveal six-coordination of the ligands to the metal ion. The Co(II) complex with 3,9-PC2AMtBu shows a similar six-coordinate structure in the solid state, while the Co(II) complex with 3,9-PC2AMH contains a seven-coordinate metal ion, seventh coordination being completed by the presence of an inner-sphere water molecule. The structure of the Co(II) complexes was investigated using ¹H NMR spectroscopy and computational methods. The complexes present a seven-coordinate structure in solution, as demonstrated by the analysis of the paramagnetic shifts using density functional theory. Ligand protonation constants and stability constants of the complexes with 3,9-PC2AMH were determined using potentiometric titrations (I = 0,15 M NaCl). The Co(II) complex was found to be more stable than the Ni(II) analogue (log K_CoL = 14.46(5) and log K_NiL = 13.15(3)). However, the Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes display similar rate constants characterizing the proton-assisted dissociation mechanism. The presence of highly shifted ¹H NMR signals due to the amide protons in slow exchange with bulk water results in sizeable CEST signals, which are observed at +67 and +15 ppm for the Co(II) complex with 3,9-PC2AMH and +42 and +7 ppm for the Ni(II) analogue at 25 °C.

The Design of Abnormal Microenvironment Responsive MRI Nanoprobe and Its Application

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to diagnose diseases due to its high spatial, temporal and soft tissue resolution. Frequently, probes or contrast agents are used to enhance the contrast in MRI to improve diagnostic accuracy. With the development of molecular imaging techniques, molecular MRI can be used to obtain 3D anatomical structure, physiology, pathology, and other relevant information regarding the lesion, which can provide an important reference for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disease in the early stages. Among existing contrast agents, smart or activatable nanoprobes can respond to selective stimuli, such as proving the presence of acidic pH, active enzymes, or reducing environments. The recently developed environment-responsive or smart MRI nanoprobes can specifically target cells based on differences in the cellular environment and improve the contrast between diseased tissues and normal tissues. Here, we review the design and application of these environment-responsive MRI nanoprobes.

Copper(ii) complexes of N-propargyl cyclam ligands reveal a range of coordination modes and colours, and unexpected reactivity

The coordination chemistry of N-functionalised cyclam ligands has a rich history, yet cyclam derivatives with pendant alkynes are largely unexplored. This is despite the significant potential and burgeoning application of N-propargyl cyclams and related compounds in the creation of diversely functionalised cyclam derivatives via copper-catalysed azide-alkyne 'click' reactions. Herein we describe single crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic investigations of the coordination chemistry of copper(ii) complexes of cyclam derivatives with between 1 and 4 pendant alkynes. The crystal structures of these copper complexes unexpectedly reveal a range of coordination modes, and the surprising occurrence of five unique complexes within a single recrystallisation of the tetra-N-propargyl cyclam ligand. One of these species exhibits weak intramolecular copper-alkyne coordination, and another is formed by a surprising intramolecular copper-mediated hydroalkoxylation reaction with the solvent methanol, transforming one of the pendant alkynes to an enol ether. Multiple functionalisation of the tetra-N-propargyl ligand is demonstrated via a 'tetra-click' reaction with benzyl azide, and the copper-binding behaviour of the resulting tetra-triazole ligand is characterised spectroscopically.

Metal-based environment-sensitive MRI contrast agents

Interactions of paramagnetic metal complexes with their biological environment can modulate their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast-enhancing properties in different ways, and this has been widely exploited to create responsive probes that can provide biochemical information. We survey progress in two rapidly growing areas: the MRI detection of biologically important metal ions, such as calcium, zinc, and copper, and the use of transition metal complexes as smart MRI agents. In both fields, new imaging technologies, which take advantage of other nuclei (¹⁹F) and/or paramagnetic contact shift effects, emerge beyond classical, relaxation-based applications. Most importantly, in vivo imaging is gaining ground, and the promise of molecular MRI is becoming reality, at least for preclinical research.

CoII Complexes as Liposomal CEST Agents

Three paramagnetic CoII macrocyclic complexes containing 2-hydroxypropyl pendant groups, 1,1',1'',1'''-(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,4,8,11-tetrayl)tetrakis- (propan-2-ol) ([Co(L1)]2+ , 1,1'-(4,11-dibenzyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,8-diyl)bis(propan-2-ol) ([Co(L2)]2+ ), and 1,1'-(4,11-dibenzyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,8-diyl)bis(octadecan-2-ol) ([Co(L3)]2+ ) were synthesized to prepare transition metal liposomal chemical exchange saturation transfer (lipoCEST) agents. In solution, ([Co(L1)]2+ ) forms two isomers as shown by 1 H NMR spectroscopy. X-ray crystallographic studies show one isomer with 1,8-pendants in cis-configuration and a second isomer with 1,4-pendants in trans-configuration. The [Co(L2)]2+ complex has 1,8-pendants in a cis-configuration. Remarkably, the paramagnetic-induced shift of water 1 H NMR resonances in the presence of the [Co(L1)]2+ complex is as large as that observed for one of the most effective LnIII water proton shift agents. Incorporation of [Co(L1)]2+ into the liposome aqueous core, followed by dialysis against a solution of 300 mOsm L-1 produces a CEST peak at 3.5 ppm. Incorporation of the amphiphilic [Co(L3)]2+ complex into the liposome bilayer produces a more highly shifted CEST peak at -13 ppm. Taken together, these data demonstrate the feasibility of preparing CoII lipoCEST agents.