Synthesis, Characterization, and in vitro Testing of a Bacteria-Targeted MR Contrast Agent.

ABSTRACT: A bacteria-targeted MR contrast agent, Zn-1, consisting of two Zn-dipicolylamine (Zn-dpa) groups conjugated to a Gd^III chelate has been synthesized and characterized. In vitro studies with S. aureus and E. coli show that Zn-1 exhibits a significant improvement in bacteria labeling efficiency vs. control. Studies with a structural analogue, Zn-2, indicate that removal of one Zn-dpa moiety dramatically reduces the agent's affinity for bacteria. The ability of Zn-1 to significantly reduce the T₁ of labeled vs. unlabeled bacteria, resulting in enhanced MR image contrast, demonstrates its potential for visualizing bacterial infections in vivo.

SUBMITTER: Matosziuk LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3634600 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature