title: Collective activation of MRI agents via encapsulation and disease-triggered release.
abstract: An activation mechanism based on encapsulated ultrasmall gadolinium oxide nanoparticles (Gd oxide NPs) in bioresponsive polymer capsules capable of triggered release in response to chemical markers of disease (i.e., acidic pH, H2O2) is presented. Inside the hydrophobic polymeric matrices, the Gd oxide NPs are shielded from the aqueous environment, silencing their ability to enhance water proton relaxation. Upon disassembly of the polymeric particles, activation of multiple contrast agents generates a strong positive contrast enhancement of >1 order of magnitude.
authors.affiliation: Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA.
authors.forename: Mathieu L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Viger
authors.forename: Jagadis
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sankaranarayanan
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: de Gracia Lux
authors.forename: Minnie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Adah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Almutairi
mesh_terms: D004194:Disease; D005682:Gadolinium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
chemical_list: C030581:gadolinium oxide; D005682:Gadolinium