Gadolinium Complexes Functionalized Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles as a Multimodal Probe for Near-Infrared Luminescence and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Vivo

Abstract

The development of multimodal nanoprobes that combined properties of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within a single probe is very important for medical diagnosis. The NIR-emitting persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) are ideal for optical imaging owing to no need for in situ excitation, the absence of background noise, and deep tissue penetration. However, no PLNP based multimodal nanoprobes have been reported so far. Here, we report a novel multimodal nanoprobe based on the gadolinium complexes functionalized PLNPs (Gd(III)-PLNPs) for in vivo MRI and NIR luminescence imaging. The Gd(III)-PLNPs not only exhibit a relatively higher longitudinal relaxivity over the commercial Gd(III)-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid complexes but also keep the superlong persistent luminescence. The prepared Gd(III)-PLNPs multimodal nanoprobe offers great potential for MRI/optical imaging in vivo.

High magnetic relaxivity in a fluorescent CdSe/CdS/ZnS quantum dot functionalized with MRI contrast molecules

“…22,24 The close proximity of carbonyl groups to the QD surface may also offer an additional quenching pathway. 25 Interestingly, the luminescence of the QD@GdL nanohybrid is still very intense, being comparable with that of the classic luminescent dye [Ru(bpy) 3 ] 2+ (Φ = 2.8% in aerated water).…”

“…2 Thus, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/fluorescence imaging hybrids are assumed to have clinical potential through combining the superior anatomical detail of MRI, with the sensitive molecular information of fluorescence imaging. 3 Clinically approved MRI contrast agents are principally Gd-chelates based on DTPA (Magnevist ® ), DTPA-…”

Photoluminescent nanoplatforms in biomedical applications

“…Dual-mode probes combining light-emitting QDs or Ln-UCNPs with MRI contrast agents have been developed using multiple approaches, including core-shell nanostructures [127], chelate conjugation [128,129], and Gd 3+ or Mn 2+ co-doping [130,131]. Hu et al developed a dual-modality nanoprobe based on Ag 2 S QDs, which emits in the second biological window and conjugated with the Gd-DOTA MRI contrast agent [132].…”

Cyto/hemocompatible magnetic hybrid nanoparticles (Ag2S–Fe3O4) with luminescence in the near-infrared region as promising theranostic materials

“…Also, combinations of imaging modalities are desirable. Optical imaging utilizing QDs has a benefit of sensitivity but lacks resolution and has depth limitation, whereas MRI offers high resolution at any depth but lacks sensitivity [23]. Combination of the two in a single entity can produce a synergistic effect and provide both sensitivity and high resolution in medical imaging.…”