Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Dendrimer-based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
11:27

Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Dendrimer-based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Published on: December 4, 2016

Activatable T₁ and T₂ magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents

Chuqiao Tu1, Elizabeth A Osborne, Angelique Y Louie

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.

Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|February 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Activatable MRI contrast agents (CAs) offer new ways to visualize biological processes by changing their signal in response to the body's chemistry. Ligand design is key to controlling their sensitivity and performance.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Imaging
  • Materials Science
  • Organic Chemistry

Background:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a crucial diagnostic tool but typically lacks biochemical sensing capabilities.
  • Activatable MRI contrast agents (CAs) are emerging as a solution, enabling MRI to detect biological processes.
  • The relaxivity of CAs is influenced by factors like water molecule coordination (q), residence time (τm), and rotational correlation time (τR).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review various activatable MRI CAs sensitive to physiological microenvironment changes.
  • To emphasize the role of ligand design in tuning CA properties.
  • To highlight the impact of ligand structure on key relaxivity parameters (q, τm, τR).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of activatable MRI contrast agents.
  • Analysis of CA sensitivity to in vivo microenvironment variables (pH, luminescence, metal ions, redox, enzymes).
  • Focus on the relationship between ligand design and CA relaxivity parameters.

Main Results:

  • Numerous activatable MRI CAs responsive to diverse biological signals have been developed.
  • Ligand modifications significantly influence the number of coordinated water molecules (q), water residence time (τm), and rotational correlation time (τR).
  • These modifications allow for tailored CA performance and sensitivity to specific biological parameters.

Conclusions:

  • Ligand design is a critical factor in developing effective activatable MRI contrast agents.
  • Tuning ligand properties allows for precise control over CA relaxivity and responsiveness to physiological changes.
  • Activatable CAs hold significant promise for advancing MRI-based diagnostics and biological process monitoring.

More Related Videos

Preparation, Purification, and Characterization of Lanthanide Complexes for Use as Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging13:21

Preparation, Purification, and Characterization of Lanthanide Complexes for Use as Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Published on: July 21, 2011

Synthesis of 68Ga Core-doped Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Dual Positron Emission Tomography /(T1)Magnetic Resonance Imaging07:26

Synthesis of 68Ga Core-doped Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Dual Positron Emission Tomography /(T1)Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Published on: November 20, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Magnetic Resonance Imaging01:24

Magnetic 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...
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI01:14

Imaging 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...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging 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,...
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy01:25

Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that provides crucial insights into the body's physiological functions at a molecular level. It is an indispensable resource for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various illnesses, notably cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Fundamental Principles of PET
Brain Imaging01:14

Brain Imaging

Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans),  magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),  functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging01:27

Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, can include a specialized imaging technique of the urinary system known as Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU). This radiation-free technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images with the help of a computer. MRU is particularly effective for visualizing fluid-filled structures like the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.Applications of MRI in the Genitourinary SystemKidneys and Ureters: MRI detects tumors, cysts,...