Efficient and tunable synthesis of new polydentate bifunctional chelating agents using click chemistry

Two novel bifunctional chelating agents, which are bistriazole-based polyaminocarboxylic acids, have been designed and synthesised in high yields. An elegant synthetic approach using the Cu-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition has been developed. This convenient route could be employed for the synthesis of a variety of polydentate bifunctional chelators.     

High-Field MRI Contrast Agents and their Synergy with Optical Imaging: the Evolution from Single Molecule Probes towards Nano-architectures

Contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging have historically been based on paramagnetic metal complexes, particularly Gd³⁺ chelates, which tend to lose their contrast enhancement ability with increasing magnetic field strength. Emerging high-field MRI applications require the development of novel contrast agents that exhibit high relaxation enhancement as a function of magnetic field strength. Paramagnetic ions such as Dy³⁺, Tb³⁺ or Ho³⁺ incorporated into supramolecular or inorganic nano-architectures represent promising platforms for the development of high field MRI contrast agents. Furthermore, such platforms allow facile inclusion of multiple imaging modalities, therapeutic loading, and targeting vectors. This Minireview examines the application of contrast agents for high-field MRI, which range from single molecules to nanoparticles. Approaches to create multimodal agents by combining high-field MRI contrast properties with another imaging modality are also discussed.     

Biomedical applications of macrocyclic ligand complexes

Macrocyclic chelators can form highly stable complexes with transition metals and lanthanides. In this review, the recent advances towards biomedical applications of macrocyclic complexes are outlined. The use of such complexes in imaging as MRI contrast agents, radiopharmaceuticals and luminescent probes is discussed. The considerable scope for future development of novel metal based therapeutics based on protein binding, targeting of radioisotopes or dual function agents is also highlighted.     

Paramagnetic lanthanide complexes as PARACEST agents for medical imaging

This tutorial review examines the fundamental aspects of a new class of contrast media for MRI based upon the chemical shift saturation transfer (CEST) mechanism. Several paramagnetic versions called PARACEST agents have shown utility as responsive agents for reporting physiological or metabolic information by MRI. It is shown that basic NMR exchange theory can be used to predict how parameters such as chemical shift, bound water lifetimes, and relaxation rates can be optimized to maximize the sensitivity of PARACEST agents.     

Challenges in chelating positron emitting copper isotopes: tailored synthesis of unsymmetric chelators to form ultra stable complexes

The synthesis of chelators that form high stability complexes with copper(II) isotopes and do not suffer from transchelation in vivo has been a goal for many chemists. Such chelators will facilitate the exploitation of the (64)Cu isotope (t(1/2) = 12.7 h, β(+) (19%); β(-) (39%); EC (41%)) for positron emission tomography imaging studies, which has a longer half life relative to the more commonly used (18)F (t(1/2) = 109.8 min) and (11)C (t(1/2) = 20.4 min) isotopes. One option is the CBTE2A chelator, which has been championed by Weisman, Wong and Anderson, and, more recently, alternate bifunctional chelator (BFC) versions have been synthesised. Improved synthetic methods are required for unsymmetric derivatisation of these chelators to allow more selective biomolecule attachment. This work investigates synthetic routes to form new unsymmetric chelating ligands via stepwise reaction of the bisaminal precursor, determines their X-ray structures and demonstrates cold copper(II) isotope complex formation.     

Manganese-based MRI contrast agents: past, present and future

Paramagnetic and superparamagnetic metals are used as contrast materials for magnetic resonance (MR) based techniques. Lanthanide metal gadolinium (Gd) has been the most widely explored, predominant paramagnetic contrast agent until the discovery and association of the metal with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a rare but serious side effects in patients with renal or kidney problems. Manganese was one of the earliest reported examples of paramagnetic contrast material for MRI because of its efficient positive contrast enhancement. In this review, manganese based contrast agent approaches are discussed with a particular emphasis on their synthetic approaches. Both small molecules based typical blood pool contrast agents and more recently developed novel nanometer sized materials are reviewed focusing on a number of successful molecular imaging examples.     

Maleimido-functionalized NOTA derivatives as bifunctional chelators for site-specific radiolabeling

Two basic and simple synthetic routes for mono- and bis-maleimide bearing 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N',N'-triacetic acid (NOTA) chelators as new bifunctional chelators are described. The syntheses are characterized by their simplicity and short reaction times, as well as practical purification methods and acceptable to very good chemical yields. The usefulness of these two synthetic pathways is demonstrated by the preparation of a set of mono- and bis-maleimide functionalized NOTA derivatives. In conclusion, these two methods can easily be expanded to the syntheses of further tailored maleimide-NOTA chelators for diverse applications.     

Synthesis of a new tricyclic tetraazatriacetic acid as ligand for gadolinium(III)

Polyazapolycarboxylic acids are known to be efficient ligands for the development of gadolinium-based contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Given that rigidification of the ligand structure seems to be an important structural parameter to increase the relaxivity of the corresponding gadolinium complex, we have synthesized a new tricyclic tetraazatriacetate ligand from commercially available trans-2-aminocyclohexanol. In the synthetic routes described here, the 2-nitrobenzenesulfonamide chemistry was used to selectively functionalize the polyamine precursors.     

Hyaluronic Acid‐Gadolinium Complex Nanospheres as Lymphatic System‐Specific Contrast Agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A novel MRI contrast agent, hyaluronic acid gadolinium complex (HA‐Gd‐DTPA) nanospheres, is prepared by the synthesis of hyaluronic acid gadolinium complexes and their assembly. The physicochemical properties are characterized, and the lymphatic targeting in vitro and in vivo are also evaluated. The results show that the HA‐Gd‐DTPA nanospheres with suitable and stable physicochemical properties could be used for in vivo lymphatic targeting studies. Furthermore, the HA‐Gd‐DTPA nanospheres have obviously higher relaxation efficiency and MRI contrast between blood vessel and lymph vessel in rabbit than that of Magnevist. Thus, the novel MRI contrast agent can be taken up selectively by lymphatic system and used as a potential MRI contrast agents in lymphatic system.     

用于疾病诊断的Gd~Ⅲ/量子点多模态成像探针的构建

结合核磁共振成像(MRI)和荧光成像技术,以钆离子、近红外低毒量子点、二氧化硅和聚丙烯酸(PAA)等为原料,采用一系列纳米载体自组装技术,构建出MRI弛豫率/荧光效率高和生物相容性好的GdⅢ/量子点多模态纳米探针.结果表明,与未螯合GdⅢ的量子点纳米探针相比,GdⅢ/量子点多模态纳米探针具有更高的弛豫率;t1-加权MRI成像也证实了GdⅢ/量子点多模态纳米探针具有很好的阳性造影功效.     

Towards the rational design of MRI contrast agents: electron spin relaxation is largely unaffected by the coordination geometry of gadolinium(III)-DOTA-type complexes

Electron-spin relaxation is one of the determining factors in the efficacy of MRI contrast agents. Of all the parameters involved in determining relaxivity it remains the least well understood, particularly as it relates to the structure of the complex. One of the reasons for the poor understanding of electron-spin relaxation is that it is closely related to the ligand-field parameters of the Gd(3+) ion that forms the basis of MRI contrast agents and these complexes generally exhibit a structural isomerism that inherently complicates the study of electron spin relaxation. We have recently shown that two DOTA-type ligands could be synthesised that, when coordinated to Gd(3+), would adopt well defined coordination geometries and are not subject to the problems of intramolecular motion of other complexes. The EPR properties of these two chelates were studied and the results examined with theory to probe their electron-spin relaxation properties.     

Lanthanoid endohedral metallofullerenols for MRI contrast agents

Water-soluble multi-hydroxyl lanthanoid (La, Ce, Gd, Dy, and Er) endohedral metallofullerenes (metallofullerenols, M@C(82)(OH)(n)()) have been synthesized and characterized for the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. The observed longitudinal and transverse relaxivities for water protons, r(1) and r(2), of the metallofullerenols are in the range 0.8-73 and 1.2-80 (sec(-1)mM(-1)), respectively, which are significantly higher than those of the corresponding lanthanoid-DTPA chelate complexes. Among these Gd-metallofullerenols, Gd@C(82)(OH)(n)() has exhibited the highest r(1) and r(2) values in consistent with our previous results. The observed large r(1) of the current metallofullerenols can mainly be ascribed to the dipole-dipole relaxation together with a substantial decrease of the overall molecular rotational motion. The large r(2), except for the Gd-metallofullerenols, have been attributed to the so-called Curie spin relaxation. The MRI phantom studies are also performed and are consistent with these results. The metallofullerenols will be an ideal model for future MRI contrast agents with higher proton relaxivities.     

Design of Gd(III)-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents: static and transient zero-field splitting contributions to the electronic relaxation and their impact on relaxivity

A multiple-frequency (9.4-325 GHz) and variable-temperature (276-320 K) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study on low molecular weight gadolinium(III) complexes for potential use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents has been performed. Peak-to-peak linewidths Delta Hpp and central magnetic fields have been analyzed within the Redfield approximation taking into account the static zero-field splitting (ZFS) up to the sixth order and the transient ZFS up to the second order. Longitudinal electronic relaxation is dominated by the static ZFS contribution at low magnetic fields (B < 0.3 T) and by the transient ZFS at high magnetic fields (B > 1.5 T). Whereas the static ZFS clearly depends on the nature of the chelating ligand, the transient ZFS does not. For the relatively fast rotating molecules studied water proton relaxivity is mainly limited by the fast rotation and electronic relaxation has only a marked influence at frequencies below 30 MHz. From our EPR results we can conclude that electronic relaxation will have no influence on the efficiency of Gd(III)-based MRI contrast agents designed for studies at very high magnetic fields (B > 3T).     

Recent advances on stimuli-responsive macromolecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents

Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) has been extensively used in clinical diagnosis and currently over 30% MRI runs are performed in the presence of contrast agents. However, commercially available contrast agents originated from small molecules typically exhibit relatively low relaxivities and insufficient circulation time. Therefore, there is a long pursuit to develop new contrast agents with high relaxivities to discriminate pathological tissues from normal ones. Compared with small molecule MRI contrast agents, the incorporation of small molecule contrast agents into macromolecular scaffolds allows for constructing macromolecular MRI contrast agents, remarkably elevating the relaxivities due in part to increased rotational correlation time(τR). Moreover, if the macromolecular scaffolds are responsive to external stimuli, the MRI signals could be selectively switched on at the desired sites(e.g., pathological tissues), further intensifying the imaging contrast. In this feature article, we outline the recent achievements in the fabrication of stimuli-responsive macromolecular MRI contrast agents. Specifically, macromolecular contrast agents being responsive to acidic p H, redox potentials, and other stimuli including photoirradiation, pathogens, and salt concentration are discussed. These smart contrast agents could affect either longitudinal(T1) or transverse(T2) relaxation times of water protons or other nuclei(e.g.,19 F), exhibiting enhanced signals in pathological tissues yet suppressed signals in normal ones and displaying promising potentials in in vitro and in vivo MRI applications.     

ParaCEST MRI contrast agents capable of derivatization via"click" chemistry

A comprehensive series of lanthanide chelates has been prepared with a tetrapropargyl DOTAM type ligand. The complexes have been characterized by a combination of (1)H NMR, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, CEST and relaxation studies and have also been evaluated for potential use as paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (ParaCEST) contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We demonstrate the functionalization of several chelates by means of alkyne-azide "click" chemistry in which a glucosyl azide is used to produce a tetra-substituted carbohydrate-decorated lanthanide complex. The carbohydrate periphery of the chelates has a potent influence on the CEST properties as described herein.     

肿瘤诊断的MRI造影剂*

磁共振成像是临床上常用的无侵入性肿瘤早期诊断手段,常常需要借助造影剂来提高诊断能力。造影剂可缩短质子的弛豫时间,间接地改变质子所产生的信号强度并能改变体内局部组织中水质子的弛豫速率,提高正常与患病部位的成像对比度。本文较系统地评述了目前国内外用于肿瘤成像造影剂的研究进展,并讨论了顺磁性造影剂的发展前景。     

Molecular Mechanics Investigation of Gadolinium(III) Complexes

Parameters for the commercially available modeling package SYBYL have been developed for Gd(3+) complexes allowing these to be studied with molecular mechanics. With these parameters and a technique termed the "coordination scan", the coordination numbers of Gd(III) based complexes can be predicted, and thus the hydration number q determined. Knowledge of q has allowed the prediction of molar relaxivities based on correlations to literature values. In addition, the calculated value DeltaE(coord) was found to successfully predict the thermodynamic stability constants for polyamino carboxylate ligands with Gd(3+). Gadolinium complexes are commonly utilized as MRI contrast agents, and thus the techniques utilized in this work should aid in the development of new contrast agents.     

Relaxometric investigations and MRI evaluation of a liposome-loaded pH-responsive gadolinium(III) complex

Accurate measurement of the tissue pH in vivo by MRI may be of clinical value for both diagnosis and selection/monitoring of therapy. To act as pH reporters, MRI contrast agents have to provide responsiveness to pH that does not require prior knowledge of the actual concentration of the contrast agent. This work deals with the use of a paramagnetic gadolinium(III) complex, loaded into liposomes, whose relaxometric properties are affected by the pH of the medium. In this system, the amphiphilic metal complex, which contains a moiety whose protonation changes the coordination properties of the metal chelate, experiences a different intraliposomial distribution depending on the pH conditions. The pH of the solution can be unambiguously identified by exploiting the peculiar characteristics of the resulting NMRD profiles, and a ratiometric pH-responsive method has been set up by comparing the relaxation enhancement at different magnetic field strengths.     

Cellular delivery of MRI contrast agents

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool for acquiring images of opaque living animals with the benefit of tracking events over extended periods of time on the same specimen. Contrast agents are used to enhance regions, tissues, and cells that are magnetically similar but histologically distinct. A principal barrier to the development of MRI contrast agents for investigating biological questions is the delivery of agents across cellular membranes. Here, we describe the synthesis and in vitro testing of Gd(III)-based MRI contrast agents containing varying length polyarginine oligomers capable of permeating cell membranes. We examine the effect of the length of oligomer on T(1) enhancement and cellular uptake. Furthermore, the effect of incubation time, concentration, and cell type on uptake is explored. Toxicity and washout studies are performed in addition to MRI phantom studies.