A novel class of polymeric pH-responsive MRI CEST agents

Chem Commun (Camb). 2013 Jul 21;49(57):6418-20. doi: 10.1039/c3cc42452a.

Abstract

In this communication, we report that ionizable, tertiary amine-based block copolymers can be used as pH-responsive contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) through the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) mechanism. The CEST signal is essentially "off" when the polymers form micelles near physiological pH but is activated to the "on" state when the micelles dissociate in an acidic environment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Micelles
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Polymethacrylic Acids / chemistry*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Micelles
  • Polymethacrylic Acids
  • poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate)
  • Polyethylene Glycols