A Hydrogen Peroxide-Responsive Multinuclear 1H and 19F MRI Contrast Agent for Quantitative Application – Preliminary Phantoms Validation

Motivation: Multinuclear contrast agents (CAs) may provide improved sensitivity and specificity for the detection/quantification of biomolecular processes. Goal(s): To develop a multinuclear 1H and 19F agent that shortens the T1 relaxation times for both the 1H and 19F signals only when hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is present. Approach: Developed the CA: Fe(II)-F2H4qp4 -- an iron(II) complex with a fluorinated quinol-containing macrocyclic ligand. This T1-shortening CA is designed to activate only in the presence of H2O2. Results: Initial phantom tests with an 1H/19F frequency-selectable Inversion Recovery Look Locker sequence demonstrate a dual capability to quantify changes of both 1H and 19F signal T1 values. Impact: The multinuclear Fe(II)-F2H4qp4 agent's ability to quantify changes of both 1H and 19F signal T1 values in an H2O2 environment improves the sensitivity and specificity to superoxide-related pathologies and may allow expanding to other biomarkers.