MRI probes for sensing biologically relevant metal ions

Aza-phenol Based Macrocyclic Probes Design for "CHEF-on" Multi Analytes Sensor: Crystal Structure Elucidation and Application in Biological Cell Imaging

Metal bound macrocyclic compounds found in biological systems inspired us to design and synthesize two Robson-type macrocyclic Schiff-base chemosensors, H ₂ L1 (H ₂ L1=1,11-dimethyl-6,16-dithia-3,9,13,19-tetraaza-1,11(1,3)-dibenzenacycloicosaphane-2,9,12,19-tetraene-1,11-diol) and H ₂ L2 (H ₂ L2=1,11-dimethyl-6,16-dioxa-3,9,13,19-tetraaza-1,11(1,3)-dibenzenacycloicosaphane-2,9,12,19-tetraene-1,11-diol). Both the chemosensors have been characterized with different spectroscopic techniques. They act as multianalyte sensor and exhibit "turn-on" fluorescence toward different metal ions in 1X PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline) solution. In presence of Zn²⁺, Al³⁺, Cr³⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions, H ₂ L1 exhibits ∼6-fold enhancement of emission intensity, while H ₂ L2 shows ∼6-fold enhancement of emission intensity in the presence of Zn²⁺, Al³⁺ and Cr³⁺ ions. The interaction between the different metal ion and chemosensor have been examined by absorption, emission, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy as well as by ESI-MS⁺ analysis. We have successfully isolated and solved the crystal structure of the complex [Zn(H ₂ L1)(NO₃)]NO₃ (1) by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of 1 shows 1:1 metal:ligand stoichiometry and helps to understand the observed PET-Off-CHEF-On sensing mechanism. LOD values of H ₂ L1 and H ₂ L2 toward metal ions are found to be ∼10^-8 and ∼10^-7 M, respectively. Large Stokes shifts of the probes against analytes (∼100 nm) make them a suitable candidate for biological cell imaging studies. Robson type phenol based macrocyclic fluorescence sensors are very scarce in the literature. Therefore, the tuning of structural parameters as the number and nature of donor atoms, their relative locations and presence of rigid aromatic groups can lead to the design of new chemosensors, which can accommodate different charged/neutral guest(s) inside its cavity. The study of the spectroscopic properties of this type of macrocyclic ligands and their complexes might open a new avenue of chemosensors.

RGD-Peptide Functionalization Affects the In Vivo Diffusion of a Responsive Trimeric MRI Contrast Agent through Interactions with Integrins

The relevance of MRI as a diagnostic methodology has been expanding significantly with the development of molecular imaging. Partially, the credit for this advancement is due to the increasing potential and performance of targeted MRI contrast agents, which are able to specifically bind distinct receptors or biomarkers. Consequently, these allow for the identification of tissues undergoing a disease, resulting in the over- or underexpression of the particular molecular targets. Here we report a multimeric molecular probe, which combines the established targeting properties of the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide sequence toward the integrins with three calcium-responsive, Gd-based paramagnetic moieties. The bifunctional probe showed excellent ¹H MRI contrast enhancement upon Ca²⁺ coordination and demonstrated a longer retention time in the tissue due to the presence of the RGD moiety. The obtained results testify to the potential of combining bioresponsive contrast agents with targeting vectors to develop novel functional molecular imaging methods.

Towards Photoswitchable Contrast Agents for Absolute 3D Temperature MR Imaging

Temperature can be used as clinical marker for tissue metabolism and the detection of inflammations or tumors. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for monitoring physiological parameters like the temperature noninvasively is steadily increasing. In this study, we present a proof-of-principle study of MRI contrast agents (CA) for absolute and concentration independent temperature imaging. These CAs are based on azoimidazole substituted NiII porphyrins, which can undergo Light-Driven Coordination-Induced Spin State Switching (LD-CISSS) in solution. Monitoring the fast first order kinetic of back isomerisation (cis to trans) with standard clinical MR imaging sequences allows the determination of half-lives, that can be directly translated into absolute temperatures. Different temperature responsive CAs were successfully tested as prototypes in methanol-based gels and created temperature maps of gradient phantoms with high spatial resolution (0.13×0.13×1.1 mm) and low temperature errors (<0.22 °C). The method is sufficiently fast to record the temperature flow from a heat source as a film.

Activity-Based Sensing and Theranostic Probes Based on Photoinduced Electron Transfer

Fluorescent probes have become powerful tools in detection, imaging and disease diagnosis due to their high sensitivity, specificity, fast response, and technical simplicity. In the last decades, researchers have made remarkable progress in developing signaling mechanisms to design fluorescent probes such as photoinduced electron transfer (PET), intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Typical PET is composed of a multicomponent system in which a fluorophore (electron acceptor) is separately linked with a recognition group (electron donor) via a short spacer. PET probes normally feature a low fluorescence background and significant fluorescence enhancement in response to targets. Recent research revealed that PET probes have also been used as theranostic agents, whose fluorescence and toxicity can be simultaneously activated by cancer-specific parameters. In this Account, we highlight the recent advances of rational design and applications of PET probes, focusing primarily on studies from our research group. For example, different from the case of the traditional single-atom electron donor (O, S, N, Se, Te, etc.) in typical PET, we used more a electron-rich pyrrole ring to "switch off" the fluorescence of the fluorophore more efficiently through an "enhanced PET" effect which provided a lower background fluorescence and higher signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, normal PET represents the main principle behind the design of small molecule "off-on" fluorescent sensors. We developed new PET platform through intramolecular space folding (folding PET) to overcome the difficulty of designing PET enzyme-targeting probes. Therefore, based on typical PET and these new PET concepts, we, for instance, reported PET probes for the detection of Zn²⁺ without proton interference, a BODIPY-based d-PET probe for reporting local hydrophilicity within lysosomes, and an "enhanced PET" fluorescent probe for imaging HClO in cancer cells. We also developed COX-2-specific probe for identifying cancer cells and quantifying cancer-related events, and a KIAA1363-sensitive probe for tracking solid tumors in living mice. Furthermore, we first applied an aminopeptidase N (APN)-sensitive probe based on PET for cancer diagnosis and therapy. We anticipate that further development of PET fluorescent probes providing more sensitivity and selectivity to analytes of interest will be equipped with more functions and play indispensable roles in the studies of pathology, diagnostics, and cancer therapies.

Ferritin: A Platform for MRI Contrast Agents Delivery

The search for high relaxivities and increased specificity continues to be central to the development of paramagnetic contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ferritin, due to its unique surface properties, architecture, and biocompatibility, has emerged as a natural nanocage that can potentially help to reach both these goals. This review aims to highlight recent advances in the use of ferritin as a nanoplatform for the delivery of metal-based MRI contrast agents (containing Gd3+, Mn2+, or Fe2O3) alone or in combination with active molecules used for therapeutic purposes. The collected results unequivocally show that the use of ferritin for contrast agent delivery leads to more accurate imaging of cancer cells and a significantly improved targeted therapy.

Development and characterization of lanthanide-HPDO3A-C16-based micelles as CEST-MRI contrast agents

The synthesis and characterization of a novel HPDO3A-based ligand having a C16 alkyl chain and its Eu³⁺, Gd³⁺and Yb³⁺complexes are reported.

One pot synthesis of two cobalt(iii) Schiff base complexes with chelating pyridyltetrazolate and exploration of their bio-relevant catalytic activities

Two new cobalt(iii) tetrazolato complexes [Co(L¹)(PTZ)(N₃)] (1) and [Co(L²)(PTZ)(N₃)] (2) {where H₂L¹ = 2((3-(methylamino)propylimino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol, H₂L² = 2((3-(dimethylamino)propylimino)methyl)-6-ethoxyphenol and HPTZ = 5-(2-pyridyl)tetrazole}, have been synthesized via in situ 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 2-cyanopyridine and sodium azide in the presence of cobalt(ii) nitrate hexahydrate and respective Schiff bases in the open atmosphere. The structures of both complexes have been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Features of noncovalent interactions in the solid state of both complexes have been studied by means of DFT and MEP calculations and characterized using Bader's theory of “atoms in molecules” (AIM). These complexes act as biomimetic catalysts promoting the aerobic oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) to the corresponding o-benzoquinone at room temperature. The reaction follows Michaelis–Menten enzymatic reaction kinetics with turnover numbers of ∼0.030 s⁻¹ in an acetonitrile–methanol (2 : 1) mixture. Both complexes are also reactive towards aerobic oxidation of o-aminophenol in acetonitrile–methanol (2 : 1) with turnover numbers ∼0.095 s⁻¹.

Two cobalt(iii) tetrazolato complexes have been synthesized and characterized. Noncovalent interactions have been analysed by DFT and MEP calculations and characterized using Bader's theory of AIM. Both complexes catalyze the aerial oxidation of 3,5-DTBC and OAPH.

Gd(3+)-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent Responsive to Zn(2+)

We report the heteroditopic ligand H5L, which contains a DO3A unit for Gd(3+) complexation connected to an NO2A moiety through a N-propylacetamide linker. The synthesis of the ligand followed a convergent route that involved the preparation of 1,4-bis(tert-butoxycarbonylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane following the orthoamide strategy. The luminescence lifetimes of the Tb((5)D4) excited state measured for the TbL complex point to the absence of coordinated water molecules. Density functional theory calculations and (1)H NMR studies indicate that the EuL complex presents a square antiprismatic coordination in aqueous solution, where eight coordination is provided by the seven donor atoms of the DO3A unit and the amide oxygen atom of the N-propylacetamide linker. Addition of Zn(2+) to aqueous solutions of the TbL complex provokes a decrease of the emission intensity as the emission lifetime becomes shorter, which is a consequence of the coordination of a water molecule to the Tb(3+) ion upon Zn(2+) binding to the NO2A moiety. The relaxivity of the GdL complex recorded at 7 T (25 °C) increases by almost 150% in the presence of 1 equiv of Zn(2+), while Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) induced very small relaxivity changes. In vitro magnetic resonance imaging experiments confirmed the ability of GdL to provide response to the presence of Zn(2+).

Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles by Olefin Metathesis: A Chemoselective Approach for In Vivo Characterization of Atherosclerosis Plaque

The use of click chemistry reactions for the functionalization of nanoparticles is particularly useful to modify the surface in a well-defined manner and to enhance the targeting properties, thus facilitating clinical translation. Here it is demonstrated that olefin metathesis can be used for the chemoselective functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles with three different examples. This approach enables, in one step, the synthesis and functionalization of different water-stable magnetite-based particles from oleic acid-coated counterparts. The surface of the nanoparticles was completely characterized showing how the metathesis approach introduces a large number of hydrophilic molecules on their coating layer. As an example of the possible applications of these new nanocomposites, a focus was taken on atherosclerosis plaques. It is also demonstrated how the in vitro properties of one of the probes, particularly its Ca(2+) -binding properties, mediate their final in vivo use; that is, the selective accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques. This opens promising new applications to detect possible microcalcifications associated with plaque vulnerability. The accumulation of the new imaging tracers is demonstrated by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging of carotids and aorta in the ApoE(-/-) mouse model and the results were confirmed by histology.

Basic MR relaxation mechanisms and contrast agent design

The diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have undergone continuous and substantial evolution by virtue of hardware and software innovations and the development and implementation of exogenous contrast media. Thirty years since the first MRI contrast agent was approved for clinical use, a reliance on MR contrast media persists, largely to improve image quality with higher contrast resolution and to provide additional functional characterization of normal and abnormal tissues. Further development of MR contrast media is an important component in the quest for continued augmentation of diagnostic capabilities. In this review we detail the many important considerations when pursuing the design and use of MR contrast media. We offer a perspective on the importance of chemical stability, particularly kinetic stability, and how this influences one's thinking about the safety of metal-ligand-based contrast agents. We discuss the mechanisms involved in MR relaxation in the context of probe design strategies. A brief description of currently available contrast agents is accompanied by an in-depth discussion that highlights promising MRI contrast agents in the development of future clinical and research applications. Our intention is to give a diverse audience an improved understanding of the factors involved in developing new types of safe and highly efficient MR contrast agents and, at the same time, provide an appreciation of the insights into physiology and disease that newer types of responsive agents can provide.

Fluorescent, MRI, and colorimetric chemical sensors for the first-row d-block metal ions

Transition metals (d-blocks) are recognized as playing critical roles in biology, and they most often act as cofactors in diverse enzymes; however, improper regulation of transition metal stores is also connected to serious disorders. Therefore, the monitoring and imaging of transition metals are significant for biological research as well as clinical diagnosis. In this article, efforts have been made to review the chemical sensors that have been developed for the detection of the first-row d-block metals (except Cu and Zn): Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni. We focus on the development of fluorescent sensors (fall into three classes: "turn-off", "turn-on", and ratiometric), colorimetric sensors, and responsive MRI contrast agents for these transition metals (242 references). Future work will be likely to fill in the blanks: (1) sensors for Sc, Ti, and V; (2) MRI sensors for Cr, Mn, Co, Ni; (3) ratiometric fluorescent sensors for Cr(6+), Mn(2+), and Ni(2+), explore new ways of sensing Fe(3+) or Cr(3+) without the proton interference, as well as extend applications of MRI sensors to living systems.

Diffusion properties of conventional and calcium-sensitive MRI contrast agents in the rat cerebral cortex

Calcium-sensitive MRI contrast agents can only yield quantitative results if the agent concentration in the tissue is known. The agent concentration could be determined by diffusion modeling, if relevant parameters were available. We have established an MRI-based method capable of determining diffusion properties of conventional and calcium-sensitive agents. Simulations and experiments demonstrate that the method is applicable both for conventional contrast agents with a fixed relaxivity value and for calcium-sensitive contrast agents. The full pharmacokinetic time-course of gadolinium concentration estimates was observed by MRI before, during and after intracerebral administration of the agent, and the effective diffusion coefficient D* was determined by voxel-wise fitting of the solution to the diffusion equation. The method yielded whole brain coverage with a high spatial and temporal sampling. The use of two types of MRI sequences for sampling of the diffusion time courses was investigated: Look-Locker-based quantitative T(1) mapping, and T(1) -weighted MRI. The observation times of the proposed MRI method is long (up to 20 h) and consequently the diffusion distances covered are also long (2-4 mm). Despite this difference, the D* values in vivo were in agreement with previous findings using optical measurement techniques, based on observation times of a few minutes. The effective diffusion coefficient determined for the calcium-sensitive contrast agents may be used to determine local tissue concentrations and to design infusion protocols that maintain the agent concentration at a steady state, thereby enabling quantitative sensing of the local calcium concentration.

Mechanistic studies of Gd3+-based MRI contrast agents for Zn2+ detection: towards rational design

A series of novel pyridine-based Gd(3+) complexes have been prepared and studied as potential MRI contrast agents for Zn(2+) detection. By independent assessment of molecular parameters affecting relaxivity, we could interpret the relaxivity changes observed upon Zn(2+) binding in terms of variations of the rotational motion.

MRI biosensors: a short primer

Interest in MRI contrast agents for molecular imaging of biological function experienced a surge of excitement approximately 20 years ago with the development of the first activatable contrast agents that could act as biosensors and turn "on" in response to a specific biological activity. This brief tutorial, based on a short course lecture from the 2011 ISMRM meeting, provides an overview of underlying principles governing the design of biosensing contrast agents. We describe mechanisms by which an MRI contrast agent can be made into a sensor for both T1 and T2 types contrast agents. Examples of biological activities that can interact with a contrast agent are discussed using specific examples from the recent literature to illustrate the primary mechanisms of action that have been used to achieve activation. MRI sensors for pH, ion binding, enzyme cleavage, and oxidation-reduction are presented. This article is not meant to be an exhaustive review, but an illustrative primer to explain how activation can be achieved for an MRI contrast agent. Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is not covered as these agents were covered in a separate lecture.

Microscopic visualization of metabotropic glutamate receptors on the surface of living cells using bifunctional magnetic resonance imaging probes

A series of bimodal metabotropic glutamate-receptor targeted MRI contrast agents has been developed and evaluated, based on established competitive metabotropic Glu receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) antagonists. In order to directly visualize mGluR5 binding of these agents on the surface of live astrocytes, variations in the core structure were made. A set of gadolinium conjugates containing either a cyanine dye or a fluorescein moiety was accordingly prepared, to allow visualization by optical microscopy in cellulo. In each case, surface receptor binding was compromised and cell internalization observed. Another approach, examining the location of a terbium analogue via sensitized emission, also exhibited nonspecific cell uptake in neuronal cell line models. Finally, biotin derivatives of two lead compounds were prepared, and the specificity of binding to the mGluR5 cell surface receptors was demonstrated with the aid of their fluorescently labeled avidin conjugates, using both total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) and confocal microscopy.

A smart copper(ii)-responsive binuclear gadolinium(iii) complex-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent

The relaxivity of the complex was modulated by Cu²⁺, that is, in the absence of Cu²⁺ the complex exhibited a relatively low relaxivity value of 6.40 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹, while the addition of Cu²⁺ triggered the relaxivity to 11.28 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹, an enhancement of approximately 76%.

Strategies for the development of gadolinium-based 'q'-activatable MRI contrast agents

The emergence and rapid development of activatable contrast agents (CAs), whose relaxivity changes in response to the variation of a specific marker in the surrounding physiological microenvironment, have expanded the scope of MRI beyond anatomical and functional imaging to also convey information at the cellular and molecular level. The essence of an activatable MRI CA is the difference in relaxivity before and after a change in a physiological variable: the larger the difference, the better the CA. In this review, strategies for the design of activatable gadolinium CAs, with a switching mechanism based on the modulation of hydration (q), sensitive to common variables in the physiological microenvironment, such as pH, light, redox and metal ions, are illustrated and discussed.

Imaging free zinc levels in vivo - what can be learned?

Our ever-expanding knowledge about the role of zinc in biology includes its role in redox modulation, immune response, neurotransmission, reproduction, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimers disease is galvanizing interest in detecting and monitoring the various forms of Zn(II) in biological systems. This paper reviews reported strategies for detecting and tracking of labile or "free" unchelated Zn(II) in tissues. While different bound structural forms of Zn(II) have been identified and studied in vitro by multiple techniques, very few molecular imaging methods have successfully tracked the ion in vivo. A number of MRI and optical strategies have now been reported for detection of free Zn(II) in cells and tissues but only a few have been applied successfully in vivo. A recent report of a MRI sensor for in vivo tracking of Zn(II) released from pancreatic β-cells during insulin secretion exemplifies the promise of rational design of new Zn(II) sensors for tracking this biologically important ion in vivo. Such studies promise to provide new insights into zinc trafficking in vivo and the critical role of this ion in many human diseases.

Promising strategies for Gd-based responsive magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents

Magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful imaging modality that is often coupled with paramagnetic contrast agents based on gadolinium to enhance sensitivity and image quality. Responsive contrast agents are key to furthering the diagnostic potential of MRI, both to provide anatomical information and to discern biochemical activity. Recent design of responsive gadolinium-based T₁ agents has made interesting progress, with the development of novel complexes which sense their chemical environment through changes in the coordination of water molecules, the molecular tumbling time or the number of metal centres. Particular promising design strategies include the use of multimeric systems, and the development of dual imaging probes.

A cell-permeable gadolinium contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging of copper in a Menkes disease model

We present the synthesis and characterization of octaarginine-conjugated Copper-Gad-2 (Arg₈CG2), a new copper-responsive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent that combines a Gd³⁺-DO3A scaffold with a thioether-rich receptor for copper recognition. The inclusion of a polyarginine appendage leads to a marked increase in cellular uptake compared to previously reported MRI-based copper sensors of the CG family. Arg₈CG2 exhibits a 220% increase in relaxivity (r₁ = 3.9 to 12.5 mM^-1 s^-1) upon 1 : 1 binding with Cu⁺, with a highly selective response to Cu⁺ over other biologically relevant metal ions. Moreover, Arg₈CG2 accumulates in cells at nine-fold greater concentrations than the parent CG2 lacking the polyarginine functionality and is retained well in the cell after washing. In cellulo relaxivity measurements and T₁-weighted phantom images using a Menkes disease model cell line demonstrate the utility of Arg₈CG2 to report on biological perturbations of exchangeable copper pools.

Visualizing metal ions in cells: an overview of analytical techniques, approaches, and probes

Quantifying the amount and defining the location of metal ions in cells and organisms are critical steps in understanding metal homeostasis and how dyshomeostasis causes or is a consequence of disease. A number of recent advances have been made in the development and application of analytical methods to visualize metal ions in biological specimens. Here, we briefly summarize these advances before focusing in more depth on probes for examining transition metals in living cells with high spatial and temporal resolution using fluorescence microscopy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cell Biology of Metals.

11B NMR sensing of d-block metal ions in vitro and in cells based on the carbon-boron bond cleavage of phenylboronic acid-pendant cyclen (cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane)

Noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including the "chemical shift imaging (CSI)" technique based on (1)H NMR signals is a powerful method for the in vivo imaging of intracellular molecules and for monitoring various biological events. However, it has the drawback of low resolution because of background signals from intrinsic water protons. On the other hand, it is assumed that the (11)B NMR signals which can be applied to a CSI technique have certain advantages, since boron is an ultratrace element in animal cells and tissues. In this manuscript, we report on the sensing of biologically indispensable d-block metal cations such as zinc, copper, iron, cobalt, manganese, and nickel based on (11)B NMR signals of simple phenylboronic acid-pendant cyclen (cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane), L(6) and L(7), in aqueous solution at physiological pH. The results indicate that the carbon-boron bond of L(6) is cleaved upon the addition of Zn(2+) and the broad (11)B NMR signal of L(6) at 31 ppm is shifted upfield to 19 ppm, which corresponds to the signal of B(OH)(3). (1)H NMR, X-ray single crystal structure analysis, and UV absorption spectra also provide support for the carbon-boron bond cleavage of ZnL(6). Because the cellular uptake of L(6) was very small, a more cell-membrane permeable ligand containing the boronic acid ester L(7) was synthesized and investigated for the sensing of d-block metal ions using (11)B NMR. Data on (11)B NMR sensing of Zn(2+) in Jurkat T cells using L(7) is also presented.

Cleavable β-cyclodextrin nanocapsules incorporating Gd(III)-chelates as bioresponsive MRI probes

Perthiolated β-cyclodextrin-based nanocapsules incorporating diaquo Gd(III)-complexes represent a promising new type of bioresponsive MRI contrast agent, showing a pronounced relaxivity change upon degradation in a reducing environment.

Critical in vitro evaluation of responsive MRI contrast agents for calcium and zinc

The synthesis of two gadolinium(III) complexes that exhibit an increase in proton relaxivity in the presence of added Ca(2+) or Zn(2+) ions is reported. The complexes increase their hydration state from zero to one following metal-ion binding, confirmed by spectral measurements on the corresponding Eu(III) complexes. At a field of 1.4 T and 310 K, modulation of relaxivity of the order of 30-40% was observed in mouse serum in each case. The dissociation constants for Ca(2+) and Zn(2+) binding were sensitive to the presence of added bicarbonate, and were 450 μM (Ca(2+)) and 200 μM (Zn(2+)) in serum. Such systems may, therefore, be considered for use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents to track the restoration of changes in metal-ion concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid of the brain, following neural stimulation.

A pyrophosphate-responsive gadolinium(III) MRI contrast agent

This study shows that the relaxivity and optical properties of functionalised lanthanide-DTPA-bis-amide complexes (lanthanide=Gd(3+) and Eu(3+) , DTPA=diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) can be successfully modulated by addition of specific anions, without direct Ln(3+) /anion coordination. Zinc(II)-dipicolylamine moieties, which are known to bind strongly to phosphates, were introduced in the amide "arms" of these ligands, and the interaction of the resulting Gd-Zn(2) complexes with a range of anions was screened by using indicator displacement assays (IDAs). Considerable selectivity for polyphosphorylated species (such as pyrophosphate and adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP)) over a range of other anions (including monophosphorylated anions) was apparent. In addition, we show that pyrophosphate modulates the relaxivity of the gadolinium(III) complex, this modulation being sufficiently large to be observed in imaging experiments. To establish the binding mode of the pyrophosphate and gain insight into the origin of the relaxometric modulation, a series of studies including UV/Vis and emission spectroscopy, luminescence lifetime measurements in H(2) O and D(2) O, (17) O and (31) P NMR spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion (NMRD) studies were carried out.