Abstract
Silica nanoparticles of average diameter 53±3nm were prepared using standard water-in-oil microemulsion methods. After conversion of the surface Si-OH groups to amino groups for further conjugation, the PARACEST agent, EuDOTA-(gly)4- was coupled to the amines via one or more side-chain carboxyl groups in an attempt to trap water molecules in the inner-sphere of the complex. Fluorescence and ICP analyses showed that ~1200 Eu3+ complexes were attached to each silica nanoparticle, leaving behind excess protonated amino groups. CEST spectra of the modified silica nanoparticles showed that attachment of the EuDOTA-(gly)4- to the surface of the nanoparticles did not result in a decrease in water exchange kinetics as anticipated, but rather resulted in a complete elimination of the normal Eu3+-bound water exchange peak and broadening of the bulk water signal. This observation was traced to catalysis of proton exchange from the Eu3+-bound water molecule by excess positively charged amino groups on the surface of the nanoparticles.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 19-25 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2012 |
Keywords
- MRI
- PARACEST agents
- Silica nanoparticles
- Water exchange
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging