Synthesis and characterization of a smart contrast agent sensitive to calcium

摘要

A novel first-generation Ca~(2+) sensitive contrast agent, Gd-DOPTRA has been synthesized and characterized. The agent shows ～100% relaxivity enhancement upon addition of Ca~(2+). The agent is selective and sensitive to Ca~(2+) also in the presence of Mg~(2+) and Zn~(2+). The relaxivity studies carried out in physiological fluids prove the prospects of the agent for in vivo measurements.