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Updated: May 11, 2026

Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Dendrimer-based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: December 4, 2016
Collective activation of MRI agents via encapsulation and disease-triggered release
Mathieu L Viger1, Jagadis Sankaranarayanan, Caroline de Gracia Lux
1Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA.
Abstract:
An activation mechanism based on encapsulated ultrasmall gadolinium oxide nanoparticles (Gd oxide NPs) in bioresponsive polymer capsules capable of triggered release in response to chemical markers of disease (i.e., acidic pH, H2O2) is presented. Inside the hydrophobic polymeric matrices, the Gd oxide NPs are shielded from the aqueous environment, silencing their ability to enhance water proton relaxation. Upon disassembly of the polymeric particles, activation of multiple contrast agents generates a strong positive contrast enhancement of >1 order of magnitude.
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