Hyperbranched Polymeric ¹⁹F MRI Contrast Agents with Long T₂ Relaxation Time Based on β-Cyclodextrin and...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Radiology

Background:

• ¹⁹F magnetic resonance imaging (¹⁹F MRI) is an emerging diagnostic technology.
• Effective ¹⁹F MRI contrast agents (CAs) require long transverse relaxation times (T₂), short longitudinal relaxation times (T₁), high fluorine content, and good biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel hyperbranched polymeric ¹⁹F MRI CA.
• To investigate the impact of branching degree and fluorine content on CA performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a hyperbranched polymer CA using β-cyclodextrin and phosphorylcholine.
• Evaluation of fluorine content, relaxation times (T₁ and T₂), and biocompatibility.
• In vitro and in vivo imaging studies.

Main Results:

• The novel CA achieved a maximum fluorine content of 11.85%.
• A significantly long T₂ relaxation time of 612 ms was observed.
• The CA demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and high-performance imaging capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The developed hyperbranched polymeric CA shows promise for ¹⁹F MRI.
• This research offers insights into designing effective ¹⁹F MRI contrast agents through synthesis strategies and topological design.