Hyperpolarized ¹²⁹ Xe Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sensor for H₂ S

Area of Science:

• Molecular Imaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Chemical Sensing

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a crucial signaling molecule implicated in various physiological and pathological processes.
• Current methods for H2S detection and imaging have limitations in sensitivity, specificity, or spatial resolution.
• Developing novel molecular sensors for in vivo H2S imaging is essential for advancing biomedical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) molecular sensor for the detection and imaging of hydrogen sulfide (H2S).
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using hyperpolarized 129Xe nuclear spin resonance for H2S sensing.
• To establish a generalizable template for converting fluorescent probes into MRI probes.

Main Methods:

• Design and synthesis of a novel MRI sensor incorporating a xenon-binding cryptophane and an azide reaction site.
• Utilizing the nuclear spin resonance of hyperpolarized 129Xe for sensing.
• Linking a fluorescent H2S probe to the cryptophane-based sensor.

Main Results:

• Successful development of a proof-of-concept MRI molecular sensor for H2S.
• Demonstration that a fluorescent H2S probe can be integrated with a xenon-binding cryptophane.
• Conversion of the fluorescent probe into a functional MRI probe capable of H2S detection and imaging.

Conclusions:

• A novel MRI molecular sensor for H2S detection and imaging has been successfully developed.
• The study presents a generalizable strategy for creating MRI probes from fluorescent sensors.
• This approach holds promise for advancing in vivo molecular imaging applications.