Site-Specific Amphiphilic Magnetic Copolymer Nanoaggregates for Dual Imaging

Molecular imaging along with combinations of imaging modalities can provide a thorough understanding of disease, in particular, tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MIRE) offers exceptional tissue contrast and resolution; whereas optical imaging provides high sensitivity. Hence a norbornene based copolymer (Nor-Cob-Py-Fol) is reported in this paper as a dual-imaging agent. Nor-Cob-Py-Fol having Co2+ complex, pyrene and poly(ethylene glycol) derived folate, have been synthesized using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). All the monomers and polymers are characterized by H-1 NMR, IR, GPC, and TGA techniques. The morphology of the copolymer nanoaggregates has been evaluated with DLS, TEM, and SEM techniques. The functionalization of Co2+ to the polymer is monitored by FTIR, NMR, and C-13 NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the presence of Co2+ in the nanoaggregates is confirmed by the EDX (SEM) technique. To prove the MRI capabilities nature of copolymer nanoaggregates, NMR performed at room temperature. Cell viability studies suggest the biocompatibility nature of the copolymer. Flow cytometry as well as epifluoroscence microscope experiments clearly demonstrate the dual-imaging ability of the newly designed copolymer. The much higher relaxivity ratio (r(2)/r(1)) of the present method clearly establishes the superiority of our system as one of the best contrast agents known to the practitioners of magnetic resonance imaging.