Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

MR Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer with a Small Molecular CLT1 Peptide Targeted Contrast Agent
Published on: September 3, 2013
Fluorinated Glycopolymers as Reduction-responsive 19F MRI Agents for Targeted Imaging of Cancer
Changkui Fu1,2, Joyce Tang1,2, Aidan Pye1,2
1Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia.
Abstract:
Imaging agents that can be targeted to specific diseases and respond to the microenvironment of the diseased tissue are of considerable interest due to their potential in diagnosing and managing diseases. Here we report a new class of branched fluorinated glycopolymers as 19F MRI contrast agents that respond to a reductive environment, for targeted imaging of cancer. The fluorinated glycopolymers can be readily prepared by a one-pot RAFT polymerization of glucose- and fluorine-containing monomers in the presence of a disulfide-containing cross-linking monomer. The incorporation of glucose units along the polymer chain enables these fluorinated glycopolymers to effectively target cancer cells due to interactions with the overexpressed sugar transporters present on the cell surface. In addition, the polymers exhibit an enhanced 19F MRI signal in response to a reductive environment, one of the unique hallmarks of many cancer cells, demonstrating their potential as promising candidates for targeted imaging of cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
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...
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Fluorination and Iodination of Benzene
Subviral Agents

