Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
11:27
Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Dendrimer-based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: December 4, 2016
Photochromically-controlled, reversibly-activated MRI and optical contrast agent
Chuqiao Tu1, Angelique Y Louie
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|March 23, 2007
Summary
This study introduces a novel contrast agent with a spiropyran and Gd-DO3A combination. This agent exhibits enhanced relaxivity and fluorescence in the dark, which diminishes upon visible light exposure.
Area of Science:
- Molecular imaging
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Gadolinium (Gd-DO3A) based agents are crucial for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- Spiropyran compounds are known for their photochromic properties, changing color upon light exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel photo-switchable contrast agent.
- To investigate the effect of visible light on the agent's relaxivity and fluorescence.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a novel contrast agent by tethering a spiropyran group to a Gd-DO3A moiety.
- Measurement of relaxivity and fluorescence intensity in the dark and after visible light irradiation.
Main Results:
- The novel contrast agent demonstrated higher relaxivity and fluorescence intensity in the dark.
- Irradiation with visible light led to a decrease in both relaxivity and fluorescence intensity.
Conclusions:
- The developed spiropyran-Gd-DO3A agent is a photo-switchable molecular probe.
- This agent has potential applications in light-controlled imaging and diagnostics.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...