Hybrid Polymeric Nanostructures Stabilized by Zirconium and Gadolinium Ions for Use as Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents

Nanostructures called hybrid polyion complexes (HPICs) are formed by adding metal ions to a solution of double-hydrophilic block copolymer, leading the spontaneous formation highly monodisperse nano-objects. In this paper, we propose simple strategy based on mixture ions: one chosen achieve high chemical stability nano-objects and second included provide desired property nanostructure. Using poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(acrylic acid) as zirconium ion, added ZrO2+, was selected ensure strong interactions with polymers reinforce HPIC architecture. The zirconyl were combined lanthanide ions, which often used in contrast agents for proton-magnetic resonance imaging. Mixing two copolymer led an average radius ca 11–16 nm. Increasing mole fraction inside HPICs leads excellent Unexpectedly, when paired Gd3+, mixed exhibits greatly enhanced magnetic relaxivity relatively single-ion Gd3+ HPIC, increases. This behavior further studied nuclear relaxation dispersion. resulting good biocompatibility. addition, there is significant potential extending platform other areas study.