title: 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 GdIIIchelate has been synthesized and characterized. In vitro studies withS. aureusandE. colishow that Zn-1exhibits 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-1to significantly reduce theT1of labeled vs. unlabeled bacteria, resulting in enhanced MR image contrast, demonstrates its potential for visualizing bacterial infections in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, and Radiology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
authors.forename: Lauren M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Matosziuk
authors.forename: Allison S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Harney
authors.forename: Keith W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Macrenaris
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Meade
keywords: Bacteria labeling; Imaging agents; Magnetic resonance imaging; Medicinal chemistry; Zinc