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Biomolecular Imaging of Cellular Uptake of Nanoparticles using Multimodal Nonlinear Optical Microscopy
Published on: May 16, 2022
Multifunctional nanoprobe for MRI/optical dual-modality imaging and radical scavenging
Mingming Zhen1, Junpeng Zheng, Yifan Wang
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 (P. R. China).
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|September 13, 2013
Summary
A new multifunctional theranostic agent, DF1 Gd3, enhances magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence (FL) for dual-modality diagnosis. This agent shows potential for liver-specific imaging and hydroxyl radical scavenging, aiding disease detection and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Development of novel nanomaterials is crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment.
- Theranostic agents combine diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for enhanced medical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and characterize a multifunctional theranostic agent, DF1 Gd3, for dual-modality diagnosis and potential therapeutic applications.
- To investigate the in vivo behavior and barrier penetration of DF1 Gd3, including its potential as a liver-specific contrast agent.
- To evaluate the hydroxyl radical quenching ability of DF1 Gd3 for combating reactive oxygen species-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Covalent binding of hydroxyl- and amino-bearing C60 derivatives with gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) to synthesize DF1 Gd3.
- Evaluation of contrast enhancement and multiwavelength fluorescent emission for dual-modality diagnosis.
- In vivo inner-ear MRI studies to assess barrier penetration (e.g., blood/brain barrier).
- In vivo biodistribution studies and electron spin resonance (ESR) method using DMPO spin trap to assess hydroxyl radical quenching.
Main Results:
- DF1 Gd3 demonstrated over fourfold contrast improvement compared to commercial Gd-DTPA and exhibited multiwavelength fluorescent emission.
- DF1 Gd3 did not cross inner ear barriers or the blood/brain barrier (BBB), indicating restricted systemic distribution.
- Biodistribution studies showed prolonged circulation, primary elimination via liver and kidney, suggesting potential for liver-specific MRI.
- DF1 Gd3 effectively quenched hydroxyl radicals, confirmed by ESR.
Conclusions:
- DF1 Gd3 is a promising multifunctional theranostic agent with enhanced MRI/FL imaging capabilities.
- Its restricted BBB penetration and potential liver specificity make it suitable for targeted diagnosis and treatment.
- The combination of imaging and radical scavenging potentiates the 'detect and treat/prevent' paradigm for reactive oxygen species-related diseases.

