Multivalent protein polymer MRI contrast agents: controlling relaxivity via modulation of amino acid sequence.

ABSTRACT: Magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive imaging modality with high spatial and temporal resolution. Contrast agents (CAs) are frequently used to increase the contrast between tissues of interest. To increase the effectiveness of MR agents, small molecule CAs have been attached to macromolecules. We have created a family of biodegradable, macromolecular CAs based on protein polymers, allowing control over the CA properties. The protein polymers are monodisperse, random coil, and contain evenly spaced lysines that serve as reactive sites for Gd(III) chelates. The exact sequence and length of the protein can be specified, enabling controlled variation in lysine spacing and molecular weight. Relaxivity could be modulated by changing protein polymer length and lysine spacing. Relaxivities o

SUBMITTER: Karfeld-Sulzer LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2892858 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature