Nanoscale MRI Imaging Agents

Description
This study is a collaborative effort involving the design and synthesis of suitable namometer scale high magnetic moment agents, and characterization of their efficacy as contrast agents via relaxivity studies. We will develop techniques for flexible modification of the pendent groups on the metallacrown to incorporate additional functionalities to fine-tune targeting specific imaging sites. The binding properties of these metallacrowns to endogenous macromolecules such as human serum albumin will also be examined for potential relaxivity enhancement. Particular attention will be focused on attachment of immunogenic groups to provoke uptake by macrophages and/or other neutrophils and subsequent entrainment in the lymphatic system.

Implications
A new class of materials, termed metalla-crowns, have great potential as next-generation MRI contrast agents. Metallacrowns have a rare earth coordination site like current MRI contrast agents, but possess five additional metal sites that may also be populated with paramagnetic ions to increase the magnetic moment and add water binding sites. These species are ~1-2 nm in diameter and relatively flat.

Research Group Contacts
J. S. Miller, Department of Chemistry, 585-5455, jsmiller@chem.utah.edu

M. Schabel, Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research in the Department of Radiology, 587-9423, mschabel@ucair.med.utah.edu

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