Gadolinium(III) nanoconjugate contrast agents (CAs) provide significant advantages over small-molecule complexes for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), namely increased Gd(III) payload and enhanced proton relaxation efficiency (relaxivity). Previous work has established that second and outer sphere relaxivity along with particle shape and size are important design considerations for Gd(III) nanoconjugate constructs. This work investigates these parameters in the development of new metal-organic framework (MOF) MRI contrast agents, modulating the MOF structure in order to promote prolonged water life times with Gd(III) ions and enhance MR contrast. A series of Zr-based MOFs that feature varying pore architectures and particle sizes were synthesized and addition of Gd(III) complexes was achieved through solvent-assisted ligand incorporation. The Gd(III)-MOFs were characterized before and after functionalization using X-ray crystallography, microscopy, and sorption techniques. Relaxation properties of the new materials were examined through relaxivity measurements across several field strengths and nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion analysis to determine the specific contributions from second and outer sphere relaxivity. Future work aims to optimize MOF architectures and explore the biomedical applications for these platforms.<br/>

Maximizing magnetic resonance contrast in Gd(III) nanoconjugates: Investigation of proton relaxation in Zr metal-organic frameworks

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.