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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Dendrimer-based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: December 4, 2016
Hydrochalarones: a novel endohedral metallofullerene platform for enhancing magnetic resonance imaging contrast
Darren K MacFarland1, Kenneth L Walker, Robert P Lenk
1Luna nanoWorks (A Division of Luna Innovations, Incorporated), 521 Bridge Street, Danville, Virginia 24541, USA. macfarlandd@lunainnovations.com
Abstract:
Targeted imaging requires contrast agents that remain in the vasculature for extended periods of time. A new contrast agent is described in which gadolinium is encapsulated within an extremely stable carbon sphere, thus allowing for safe extended residence. Water solubility and small particle size is achieved with novel fullerene chemistry, attaching multiple oligoethylene glycol groups through nitrogen chemistry. These new compounds can be used to visualize tissue architecture in vivo with standard MRI techniques.
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When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human eye.

