Non-emulsion clinical gadolinium/perfluorocarbon nanoparticles for 19F MRI

M. SRINIVAS; H. AMIRI; F. BONETTO; L. J. CRUZ; E. VAN DINTHER; J. POTS; A. HEERSCHAP; C. G. FIGDOR; I. J. M. DE VRIES

Melbourne

Conferencia; ISMRM 20th Annual eeting and Exhibition; 2012

Gadolinium has previously been used to enhance the relaxativity of perfluorocarbons for more efficient 19F MRI. However, the poor interaction between hydrophilic Gd chelates and hydrophobic perfluorocarbons is problematic. We overcome this issue using polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating both Gd chelates and perfluorocarbon, thereby forcing close interaction. These particles are synthesized using clinically-approved components, and are stable for at least 6 months. We demonstrate frequency and concentration dependence of the 19F longitudinal relaxation time. Finally, we show that labeling has minimal effect on cell function and viability when used to label primary human dendritic cells, as currently used in cancer vaccines.