Abstract
To synthesize and characterize an effective macromolecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent based on oligoethylenimine-grafted chitosan with targeting capability. In this study we synthesized and characterized oligoethylenimine-grafted chitosan copolymers, followed by conjugating with Gd-DTPA and folic acid. The toxicity was evaluated by WST assay, and in vitro MRI studies were performed in comparison with Gd-DTPA. Finally, the contrast enhancement of the new macromolecular MRI contrast agent was then evaluated in the mice bearing KB xenografts. Compared to Gd-DTPA (4.3 mM(-1) s(-1) ), this macromolecular contrast agent (mCA) exhibited much higher T1 relaxivity (14.4 mM(-1) s(-1) ), up to 3.3 times higher. Meanwhile, the WST assay illustrated that the viability of KB cells remained at 90% even when the Gd concentration was 1 mM. During the in vivo study, the image contrast produced by FA-mCA was higher than one produced by mCA, up to 2.5 times higher. Our results showed this macromolecular contrast agent has potential for developing sensitive and biocompatible MRI probe with targeting capability. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:23-29.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
