MRI‐based Sensors for In Vivo Imaging of Metal Ions in Biology

Abstract

AbstractAlthough much is known about the diverse roles of metal ions in biology, most of the acquired knowledge was obtained with fluorescent dyes or electrophysiological approaches. However, the ability to non‐invasively monitor variation in metal ions and to assess their physiological distribution in health and disease is very limited. Recent advances in the field of molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have offered new capabilities through the design and development of MRI‐responsive sensors for a wide range of applications, including the ability to sense and spatially map metal ions. Here, we briefly summarize the recent progress in the development and performance of MRI sensors designed to monitor metal ions in biology while emphasizing their in vivo uses, their limitations, and remaining challenges. Among the proposed MRI‐sensors, Zn2+ and Ca2+ responsive agents are those that have already been used in live intact subjects, and therefore, these will be emphasized here.