Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool producing three-dimensional and cross-sectional images of living tissue. It has the advantage of being a noninvasive imaging technique of anatomical and physiological processes in the body. Fluorine-containing polymeric nanomaterials are receiving growing attention as imaging probes in 19F MRI to enable quantitative in vivo detection of cells. Despite its undeniable potential, 19F MRI is still underutilized primarily due to toxicity issues, poor water-solubility, and unfavorable physical/biological properties. Therefore, the development of new 19F MRI contrast agents represents an ongoing challenge and critical need in biomedical diagnostic research. This seminar will discuss the one-pot polymerization synthesis of a new class of fluorinated MRI agents, 19F-containing functional poly (1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl methacrylate-co-benzyl methacrylate) copolymers, and their potential as 19F MRI cell tracking agents. Conducted in aqueous media, these polymers self-assemble into various nanoaggregate morphologies, including spheres, worm-like particles, and vesicles due to polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses indicate the size (i.e., hydrodynamic radius) of nanoparticles ranging from 120 to 180 nm with zeta-potential values ranging from 30.5 to 33.6 mV. Nanoaggregates displayed minimal cell toxicity at low concentrations in in-vitro testing. All the nanoaggregates have a single resonance in the 19F NMR spectrum with relatively short MRI relaxation times. Furthermore, these nanoaggregates exhibited encapsulation efficiencies up to 25% for a NIR theranostic agent (C3), highlighting the potential for dual imaging and therapy. These results afford pathways toward building next-generation multifunctional 19F MRI cell tracking nanomaterials.

Multifunctional fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI) nanoparticles as theranostic agents

ACS Spring 2022

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