Gadolinium-Conjugated Lipoic Acid Hydrogels for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

ABSTRACT: A gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) disulfide homodimer (Gd³⁺SS) has been incorporated into a lipoic acid (LA)-based hydrogel (Gd³⁺Gel) for enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study evaluates the magnetic properties and in vitro behavior of Gd³⁺Gel for potential applications in tracking internal injuries. Results indicate a direct shortening in the relaxation rate with greater magnitude of LA polymerization and a 2.8-fold enhancement in relaxivity (r₁) at 1.4 T when Gd³⁺SS was conjugated into the hydrogel. This effect is attributed to a significant increase in the rotational correlation time (τ_r) from 0.22 ± 0.05 ns (Gd³⁺SS) to 6 ± 1 ns (Gd³⁺Gel). Retention studies confirm

SUBMITTER: Brotherton AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12243604 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature