Open AccessCoordination‐Responsive Longitudinal Relaxation Tuning as a Versatile MRI Sensing Protocol for Malignancy Targets
Author(s) -
Zhang Kun,
Cheng Yu,
Ren Weiwei,
Sun Liping,
Liu Chang,
Wang Dan,
Guo Lehang,
Xu Huixiong,
Zhao Yongxiang
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.201800021
Subject(s) - magnetic resonance imaging , hyaluronic acid , malignancy , self healing hydrogels , nanotechnology , biomolecule , chemistry , materials science , biophysics , biology , medicine , pathology , anatomy , organic chemistry , radiology
Abstract Biomarkers (e.g., acidity, H 2 O 2 , hypoxia, and specific molecules) as one primary component of tumor microenvironments are closely associated with occurrence, invasion, and metastasis of malignancy, thus can act as biological targets. However, their monitoring remains a challenging task. Herein, a coordination‐dependent longitudinal relaxation tuning (CLRT) that occurs between a Mn 2+ “donor” and a Mn 2+ “acceptor” is established to enable biological target sensing. Relying on the differences of coordination ability and spatial structure between donors and acceptors, the biological targets as Mn 2+ acceptor can take Mn 2+ away from the donors (i.e., modified ligands) in nanoscale probes, which consequently varies T1‐weighted (T1W) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal. The coordination ability and spatial structure of the modified Mn 2+ “donor” and the pore diameter of donor carrier are demonstrated to determine the feasibility, specificity, and generality of CLRT. With CLRT, this MRI‐based ruler is demonstrated for the successful specific detection of biological targets (i.e., hyaluronic acid and glutathione) of malignancy, and its potential in quantitative measurement of hyaluronic acid is further demonstrated. CLRT can serve as a novel and general sensing principle to augment the exploration of a wide range of biological systems.