Cluster-based redox-responsive super-atomic MRI contrast agents

Congratulations to the authors of this week’s publication spotlight!

Alexandros A. Kitos, Raúl Castañeda, Zachary J. Comeau, Niki Mavragani, Nicholas D. Calvert, Alexia Kirby, Francisco M. Martinez-Santiesteban, Peter J. Pallister, Timothy J. Scholl, Muralee Murugesu, Adam J. Shuhendler & Jaclyn L. Brusso

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool, the effectiveness of which relies heavily on contrast agents (CAs). The quest for next-generation CAs based on transition metals that oppose dissociation/speciation in biological media while exhibiting enhanced nuclear relaxation, thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness, low toxicity, and redox response remains an ongoing challenge. Herein, iron and manganese homo- and heterometallic triskelion-shaped tetranuclear complexes were studied, demonstrating excellent stability in biological media. These complexes are capable of in vitro redox-driven alterations of MRI contrast enhancement and in vivo MRI of tumor redox status. The ability to accurately monitor tissue redox status has the potential to not only enhance diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy, thereby opening new avenues for non-invasive biochemical imaging, but also to provide additional information that can be used in personalized medicine.

The data was acquired on a cryogen-free MR Solutions 3T system at the University of Ottawa. The article was published in Chem in 2024.

The publication is available here.

#MRI #drymag #cryogenfree