Paramagnetic Surface Active Ionic Liquids: Interaction with DNA and MRI Application

Abstract

Paramagnetic surface active ionic liquids (PMSAILs) have been synthesized wherein long alkyl chain bearing imidazoilium, pyridinium or isoquinolinium are cationic and bromotrichloroferrate (III) is paramagnetic counterion constituents. PMSAILs have been investigated for their aggregation properties using surface tension, conductivity, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Interaction of PMSAILs with DNA in aqueous solutions has been examined through CD, fluorescence, ITC, DLS, zeta potential, and agarose gel electrophoresis. DNA compaction has been observed upon interaction with PMSAILs in dilute solutions. PMSAIL with isoquinolinium cation was found more efficient towards the DNA compaction. Decompaction of DNA could be achieved simply with the addition of NaCl. Further, the application of PMSAILS as MRI contrast materials has been explored. All the investigated PMSAILS exhibited excellent dual mode T1 & T2 contrast property in low concentration regime. To improve the real-time practical importance, MRI results have been compared with clinically available Gd-BOPTA based MRI contrast agent.