NOVEL PEPTIDE HYDROGELS GENERATING CHEMICAL EXCHANGE SATURATION TRANSFER MRI CONTRAST AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The present invention provides novel hydrogels through peptides, which are designed to self-assemble and produce magnetic resonance (MR) contrast through chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The location and integrity of these gels could consequently be tracked using MR imaging. The self-assembly of the peptides into hydrogels can be brought about by a change in pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of ions.

主权项

1. An agent for use in conjunction with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging comprising:
a biocompatible chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) agent; wherein said biocompatible CEST agent takes the form of a peptide-based hydrogel; and wherein said biocompatible CEST agent is configured to create contrast in an MR image detectable using a saturation transfer CEST method of MR imaging.