title: A novel class of polymeric pH-responsive MRI CEST agents.
abstract: In this communication, we report that ionizable, tertiary amine-based block copolymers can be used as pH-responsive contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) through the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) mechanism. The CEST signal is essentially "off" when the polymers form micelles near physiological pH but is activated to the "on" state when the micelles dissociate in an acidic environment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.
authors.forename: Shanrong
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Kejin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Gang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Masaya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: A Dean
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Sherry
authors.forename: Jinming
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gao
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008823:Micelles; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D008823:Micelles; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids; C511861:poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate); D011092:Polyethylene Glycols