Design and assembly of supramolecular dual-modality nanoprobes

We report the design and synthesis of self-assembling dual-modality molecular probes containing both a fluorophore for optical imaging and a metal ion chelator for imaging with MRI or radionuclide methods. These molecular probes can spontaneously associate into spherical nanoparticles under physiological conditions. We demonstrate the use of these supramolecular nanoprobes for live-cell optical imaging, as well as their potential use as MRI contrast agents after complexation with gadolinium. Our results suggest that self-assembly into supramolecular nanoprobes presents an effective means to enhance and tune the relaxivities of molecular probes.