Abstract: The invention features a novel non-invasive approach for imaging, detecting and/or sensing metal ions with improved sensitivity and specificity in a biological sample or tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a MR contrast-based approach for imaging, detecting and/or sensing metal ions in the biological sample/tissue containing various background ions by using 19F-based chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) technique.

Abstract: The present invention features polypeptide or protein based reporters, wherein the MRI contrast is generated by the protein itself, and methods, MRI systems and MRI imaging kits related thereto. The present invention also features enzyme based reporters, wherein the contrast is generated by the substrate/product of an enzyme, and methods, MRI systems and MRI imaging kits related thereto.

Abstract: The present invention includes drug-loaded, polymer nanoparticles and liposomes further incorporating a non-paramagnetic, bioorganic CEST agent. The CEST agent allows for an alternative approach to accomplish MR-compatible in vivo tracking of drug-loaded polymer nanoparticles and liposomes, including simultaneous multi-color mapping of more than one particle type, or of the same particle type delivered via two different routes (e.g., systemic versus local). Additionally, the present invention can include a library of biodegradable diamagnetic (DIA)CEST agents. These DIACEST agents can be incorporated into nanoparticle-based delivery systems, such as stealth liposomes loaded with doxorubicin and stealth polymer nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel. These systems can be tracked, according to an embodiment of the present invention using CEST-based MRI (compared to SPECT/CT) as a method to monitor the efficiency with which the nanoparticles reach the targeted tumors and how long they persist.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method for obtaining a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or spectrum. The method includes a step of performing a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) or magnetization transfer (MT) magnetic labeling experiment of a subject using an MRI machine. When performing the CEST or MT magnetic labeling experiment aspects of a saturation pulse or a serial saturation pulse sequence, such as length (tsat), number (Nsat), offset (??), modulation frequency (?s) and power (B1) can be varied in specific-designed schemes. Data is generated from the CEST magnetic labeling experiment and is transmitted to a data processing unit. The data is processed to generate a visual representation of the data.

Abstract: The present invention features an MRI/NMR methodology or process for detecting exogenous amide protons in a region of interest of a body or sample via the water signal. Such methods and processes can be used for any of a number of purposes including determining and assessing the delivery and/or content of a molecular or cellular target(s), such as ligands, oglionucleotides, and RNA/DNA (including plasmids) tagged or labeled by an exogenous contrast agent sourcing such amide protons; detecting and assessing pH effects, more particularly the pH of the liquid pool (e.g., blood); and as a mechanism for MR/NMR signal enhancement (e.g., providing another mechanism for developing contrast between tissues, etc. of the region of interest.