Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyong Peng, Xiao-Qin Xu, Xu-Qing Wang, Xueliang Shi, Wei Wang, Hai-Bo Yang
Summary: The precise synthesis of novel rotaxane-branched radical dendrimers with multiple TEMPO radicals as termini was successfully achieved. Nanoparticles with a good longitudinal relaxivity were prepared, making them potential candidates for contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Anna Kastelik-Hryniewiecka, Pawel Jewula, Karolina Bakalorz, Gabriela Kramer-Marek, Nikodem Kuznik
Summary: The demand for hybrid PET/MRI imaging techniques has increased significantly in recent years, driving research into new methods to track multiple molecular targets simultaneously and improve the localization and expression of biochemical markers. Multimodal imaging probes have emerged as powerful tools for enhancing detection sensitivity and accuracy, but only a limited number of bimodal probes have been studied in preclinical models. This article briefly describes the strengths and limitations of PET and MRI modalities, emphasizing the need for the development of multimodal molecularly-targeted agents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lin Huang, Juan Wang, Haipeng Zhang, Guannan Zu, Zhentao Wang, Yonghong Fu
Summary: In this study, flower-like and linear-like YVO4:Eu3+ hollow mesoporous spheres were synthesized and connected with Eu organic ligand, leading to the formation of a new hybrid luminescent material. The hybrid material showed higher emission intensity compared to single YVO4:Eu3+ and single Eu complexes, achieving mutually reinforcing luminescence. This paper presents a new approach to connect rare earth complexes for the fabrication of non-silicon-based mesoporous spherical matrix.
JOURNAL OF RARE EARTHS
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ghazaleh Jamalipour Soufi, Ali Hekmatnia, Siavash Iravani, Rajender S. Varma
Summary: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely used noninvasive clinical imaging modality in bio- and nanomedicine, especially for tumor detection and high-quality three-dimensional imaging. The design of efficient nanoscale contrast agents (NCAs) is crucial for specific detection and imaging of tumors. However, there are still challenges to be addressed in the clinical applications of these agents, including nanotoxicology and biosafety issues.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Connor M. Ellis, Daohe Yuan, Ferenc E. Mozes, Jack J. Miller, Jason J. Davis
Summary: Paramagnetically-doped polymer micelles with ionizable poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) block enable high-contrast MR imaging at clinically relevant field strengths with strong pH sensitivity. The reversible switch in polymer strand charge directly affects the local rigidity and rotational correlation time characteristics of the integrated Gd-chelate, resulting in a 50% amplitude switch in positive contrast.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Ziwei Wan, Wanjun Tang, Qingliang You, Biao Xiao, Guangyong Xie
Summary: Two series of Eu-doped (Sr,Ln)(9)MgK(PO4)(7) solid-solution phosphors were synthesized and their crystal structure and luminescence properties were studied. The luminescence of Eu3+ and Eu2+ ions were observed in Eu-doped Sr9MgK(PO4)(7) phosphor synthesized in a reducing atmosphere. The incorporation of Y3+ and La3+ ions, as representatives of rare earth ions, significantly improved the luminescence performance, indicating the stabilization of Eu2+ ions under reductive atmosphere. The proposed strategy proves to be feasible for other Eu2+/3+-coexisting phosphor systems.
JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Du, Qiyue Wang, Zeyu Liang, Qilong Li, Fangyuan Li, Daishun Ling
Summary: This review focuses on the recent development of high-performance nanoprobes for ultrahigh-field magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) to enhance sensitivity and specificity. The contrast enhancement mechanism of nanoprobes in UHF-MRI is explained, and strategies to modulate their performance are comprehensively discussed. Notably, advances in the design of UHF-MRI nanoprobes for medical diagnosis, such as early-stage tumor imaging and biosignaling factor monitoring, are highlighted.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kun Liu, Zhongyuan Cai, Xiaoqin Chi, Bilun Kang, Shengxiang Fu, Xiangjie Luo, Zhi-Wei Lin, Hua Ai, Jinhao Gao, Hongyu Lin
Summary: This study reports a new strategy to improve the performance of nanoparticle-based T1 contrast agents by utilizing the photoinduced super-hydrophilic assistance (PISA) effect. By doping gadolinium into citrate-coated titanium dioxide ellipsoidal nanoparticles (GdTi-SC NPs), the r1 value of the nanoparticles significantly increases upon UV irradiation. The existence of the PISA effect is confirmed by the reduced water contact angle and increased surface hydroxyl groups, leading to enhanced paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) efficiency and improved imaging performance. In vivo MRI experiments on rats demonstrate that GdTi-SC NPs can serve as a high-performance contrast agent for sensitive imaging of blood vessels and accurate diagnosis of vascular lesions, indicating the success of the proposed strategy.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Huige Zhou, Fenglan Qin, Chunying Chen
Summary: Hypoxia in solid tumors hinders drug delivery and poses challenges for tumor treatment. Recent research on hypoxia-responsive nanomaterials shows promise in overcoming these obstacles and improving therapeutic efficiency.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qi Wang, Hui Fan, Yanfei Xiao, Yihe Zhang
Summary: Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are all-solid energy conversion devices that convert the chemical energy of fuels into electric energy at intermediate and high temperatures. Rare earth elements play an indispensable role in different components of SOFCs, and the structures and properties of materials are influenced by element type, valence, coordination, and ion radius.
JOURNAL OF RARE EARTHS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Thi Kim Dung Doan, Masakazu Umezawa, Kyohei Okubo, Masao Kamimura, Masayuki Yamaguchi, Hirofumi Fujii, Kohei Soga
Summary: Multimodal imaging, combining over one-thousand-nanometer near-infrared (OTN-NIR) fluorescence and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, is attractive for biomedical research. In this study, a bimodal OTN-NIR/MRI probe was developed by encapsulating IR-1061 in a gadolinium-tetraazacyclododecanetetraacetic acid (Gd-DOTA) conjugated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer (PLGA-b-PEG) micelle at two different locations. The probe structure with Gd-DOTA at the border of PLGA/PEG showed stable fluorescence and signal distribution, indicating enhanced structural stability and performance.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shiwei Guo, Xiaoming Wang, Zhiqian Li, Dayi Pan, Yan Dai, Yun Ye, Xiaohe Tian, Zhongwei Gu, Qiyong Gong, Hu Zhang, Kui Luo
Summary: A water-soluble biodegradable nitroxides-based mCA with high relaxivity and stability was successfully prepared, showing long blood retention time, passive tumor targeting ability, and clear MRI enhancement at the tumor site in mice. It demonstrated great biosafety, hemocompatibility, and biocompatibility, making it a potential candidate as a substitute for metal-based MRI CAs in clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hye Min Jang, Myung Hwan Jung, Jae Sang Lee, Jun Sig Lee, In-Cheol Lim, Hyunsik Im, Sang Wook Kim, Sung-A Kang, Won-Je Cho, Jun Kue Park
Summary: We have developed a new type of nanoparticle that can be used in PET-MRI systems. These nanoparticles do not require a chelator and possess both magnetic and radioactive properties. They can serve as a diagnostic tool and provide good MRI imaging results.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sihan Ma, Lin Wang, Zongjunlin Liu, Xian Luo, Zonglang Zhou, Jun Xie, Yipeng Li, Shuo Cong, Min Zhou, Yang Xu, Guang Ran
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a multi-functional theranostic agent BiNS@NaLnF(4) with excellent imaging and therapeutic effects, providing new insights for synergistic theranostics of tumors.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shifaa M. Siribbal, Shaista Ilyas, Alexander M. Renner, Sumiya Iqbal, Sergio Munoz Vazquez, Abubakar Moawia, Martin Valldor, Muhammad S. Hussain, Klaus Schomaecker, Sanjay Mathur
Summary: This study developed functionalized nanocarriers for site-specific delivery in imaging applications. The nanocarriers improved the imaging capabilities of conventional contrast agents and increased targeting accuracy. Through a multi-layer formation approach and covalent binding, the nanocarriers showed excellent biocompatibility and the ability to serve as target-specific imaging probes.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Daniela Lalli, Fabio Carniato, Lorenzo Tei, Carlos Platas-Iglesias, Mauro Botta
Summary: Ln(III) complexes are usually isostructural, but the [Ln(AAZTA)(H2O)(x)](-) systems show structural variations causing changes in hydration number. NMR studies reveal different exchange dynamics processes of water molecules, with one Gd-bound water molecule exchanging 6 times faster than the other due to longer metal-water distance. Substitution of water molecule with fluoride in a diamagnetic-isostructural analogue allows for tracking chemical exchange process and describing thermodynamic behavior. NMR techniques provide a comprehensive understanding of structure and exchange dynamics of Ln-complexes.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Fabio Carniato, Marco Ricci, Lorenzo Tei, Francesca Garello, Enzo Terreno, Enrico Ravera, Giacomo Parigi, Claudio Luchinat, Mauro Botta
Summary: In this study, nanogels consisting of chitosan and hyaluronic acid with paramagnetic Gd chelates were prepared through electrostatic interactions. The resulting nanogels exhibited a significantly higher relaxivity compared to the free complexes, with the role of water molecules in hydrogen bonding interactions playing a key role. Additionally, the in vivo magnetic resonance imaging study of the nanogels revealed a rapid renal excretion of the paramagnetic complexes.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Daniela Lalli, Ivan Hawala, Marco Ricci, Fabio Carniato, Luca D. D'Andrea, Lorenzo Tei, Mauro Botta
Summary: The GdAAZTA complex is a promising platform for MRI probe design due to its magnetic properties, stability, and versatility. In this study, derivatives of GdAAZTA functionalized with different amino acids were synthesized and characterized. The results showed that functionalization with amino acids maintained the hydration state of the complex and improved its relaxivity. The new complexes also exhibited excellent chemical stability in biological matrices.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Loredana Leone, Annasofia Anemone, Antonella Carella, Elena Botto, Dario Livio Longo, Lorenzo Tei
Summary: A stable and inert amphiphilic Mn(II) complex was synthesized and its relaxometric behavior was investigated. The complex showed good relaxivity enhancement when interacting with human serum albumin, and demonstrated rapid elimination and good contrast enhancing properties in vivo. Compared to a clinically approved Gd(III) agent, the Mn(II) contrast agent provided comparable tumor contrast enhancement up to 3 hours post-injection.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mauro Botta, Carlos F. G. C. Geraldes, Lorenzo Tei
Summary: Fe(III) has emerged as a promising alternative to Gd-based compounds for T-1 contrast agents in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A variety of nanostructures have been designed for in vivo diagnostic and theranostic applications, due to the favorable magnetic properties and biocompatibility of iron(III). Fe(III)-doped nanoparticles have the potential to compete with Gd(III)-based nanosystems in terms of relaxivity and MR-contrast enhancement optimization.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonathan Martinelli, Leonardo Maria Zapelli, Mariangela Boccalon, Adrienn Vagner, Gabor Nagy, Aniko Fekete, Dezso Szikra, Gyorgy Trencsenyi, Zsolt Baranyai, Lorenzo Tei
Summary: The introduction of a phenolate pendant arm in place of an acetate on AAZTA- and DATA-like ligands resulted in higher thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of Ga(III) complexes. The heptadentate AAZ3A-endoHB showed the highest logK(GaL) value of 27.35 and a remarkable resistance to hydroxide coordination, indicating improved kinetic inertness. The radiotracer synthesized using the bifunctional chelator AAZ3A-endoHB, labeled with Ga-68, showed stability in human serum and successfully targeted B16-F10 tumors in vivo for miniPET imaging.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Valeria Lagostina, Fabio Carniato, David Esteban-Gomez, Carlos Platas-Iglesias, Mario Chiesa, Mauro Botta
Summary: In this study, the magnetic and relaxation properties of a series of oxovanadium(IV) complexes were investigated. The complexes include [VO(H2O)5]2+, [VO(ox)2]2-, [VO(nta)]-, [VO(dtpa)] 3-, and [VO(acac)2]. The complexes were characterized using EPR measurements and NMRD studies. The results showed differences in the relaxation times and coordination behavior of [VO(acac)2]. The NMRD profiles had contributions from outer- and inner-sphere mechanisms, with the latter including dipolar and scalar mechanisms. The analysis provided information on the exchange rate of coordinated water molecules.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Alessandro Nucera, Fabio Carniato, Zsolt Baranyai, Carlos Platas-Iglesias, Mauro Botta
Summary: The Fe(III)-Tiron system was investigated using a combination of experimental and theoretical methods to obtain the speciation in aqueous solution at different pH values. The relaxometric properties of [Fe(Tiron)3]9-, [Fe(Tiron)2(H2O)2]5-, and [Fe(Tiron)(H2O)4]- complexes were characterized using NMR experiments and calculations. The geometry of the Fe3+ coordination environment significantly affects the electronic relaxation, as evidenced by NMR profiles and calculations. Dissociation kinetics studies showed that the [Fe(Tiron)3]9- complex is relatively inert, while the [Fe(Tiron)2(H2O)2]5- complex is more labile.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edoardo Callegari, Jonathan Martinelli, Nicol Guidolin, Mariangela Boccalon, Zsolt Baranyai, Lorenzo Tei
Summary: Al(III) complexes have been studied for their potential use in PET imaging by forming ternary complexes with F-18. While NOTA derivatives are commonly used for labelling and PET imaging, non-macrocyclic pentadentate chelators like RESCA1 and AMPDA-HB provide room temperature labelling for temperature-sensitive biomolecules. Thermodynamic and kinetic studies of Al(III) complexes with AMP derivatives and a RESCA1-like chelator showed higher stability of [Al(AMPDA-HB)] and faster dissociation for [Al(AMPTA)] in solution. The stability of [AlF](2+) ternary complexes in human serum was also determined.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
F. Cantamessa, F. Carniato, A. Fina
Summary: This paper discusses the preparation of thermoreversibly crosslinked composite rubbers that are industrially viable and environmentally sustainable. A maleimide-functionalized silica (Sil-M) is used as a reinforcement filler and crosslinking agent on furan-grafted ethylene-propylene rubber (EPRgF) via Diels-Alders reaction. The composite rubbers are prepared by reactive melt blending without using organic solvents. Mechanical properties are compared between EPRgF/Sil-M and unfunctionalized EPRgF/Sil to show the impact of DA crosslinking. The study also investigates the combination of Sil-M and bismaleimide to optimize crosslinking and material performance.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fabio Carniato, Marco Ricci, Lorenzo Tei, Francesca Garello, Chiara Furlan, Enzo Terreno, Enrico Ravera, Giacomo Parigi, Claudio Luchinat, Mauro Botta
Summary: This article describes nanogels based on a chitosan matrix stabilized by a Mn-t-CDTA bisamide derivative. These nanogels are proposed as an alternative to less stable paramagnetic nanogels obtained by electrostatic interactions. The novel nanogels have improved relaxivity values, high stability, good extravasation and accumulation, and high T-1 contrast in tumors. These properties make them promising MRI probes for in vitro and in vivo preclinical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Stefano Marchesi, Chiara Bisio, Fabio Carniato, Enrico Boccaleri
Summary: For the first time, this study reports the direct incorporation of Sb(V) ions into a polycondensed silsesquioxane network based on heptaisobutyl POSS units. The chemical properties of the Sb-containing POSS compounds were analyzed and it was found that the corner-capping reaction was successful for both samples. The Sb(V)-POSS sample exhibited a heterogeneous multimeric arrangement and an irregular organization of POSS cages linked to Sb(V) centers, indicating a more complex structure compared to the well-defined monomeric Sb(III)-POSS.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Alessandro Nucera, Carlos Platas-Iglesias, Fabio Carniato, Mauro Botta
Summary: In this study, a detailed investigation of the relaxation properties of three Gd(III) complexes was conducted. The hydration equilibrium was found to have a significant effect on the fitting of experimental data for some complexes, and accurate parameters for these complexes were obtained.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Jonathan Martinelli, Mariangela Boccalon, David Horvath, David Esteban-Gomez, Carlos Platas-Iglesias, Zsolt Baranyai, Lorenzo Tei
Summary: This study highlights the importance of ligand topology in the properties of Gd(iii) complexes relevant in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By comparing two Gd(iii) complexes, it was found that they have different hydration numbers, stability, kinetic inertness, and water exchange rates. Differences were also observed in their interaction and relaxivity with human serum albumin.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2022)
