Keywords: Novel Contrast Mechanisms, Contrast Mechanisms, Manganese, Theranostic, T1
Motivation: Safety concerns with gadolinium(Gd)-based MRI agents have spurred interest in safer alternatives. Manganese(Mn), with strong T1-brightening potential, offers a promising but underexplored option for MRI that become increasingly advantageous combined with hydrogels for sustained release.
Goal(s): This study aims to develop a hybrid Mn-bound protein-hydrogel Q5•Mn, providing a safer and customizable alternative to Gd with adjustable Mn-binding, relaxivity, and imaging stability.
Approach: Using computational design, we engineered Q5•Mn for optimal T1-brightening and material strength.
Results: In-vitro and in-vivo studies of Q5•Mn hydrogels demonstrated strong Mn-binding, robust T1-weighted contrast, gelation stability, and improved signal retention, establishing them as a safe, effective MRI contrast option.
Impact: The Mn-bound protein-hydrogel, Q5•Mn, provides a safer, tunable MRI contrast agent with prolonged T1-brightening stability, offering a viable alternative to gadolinium. This innovation supports safer, targeted imaging in clinical settings and opens new possibilities for protein-based theranostic agents in MRI.
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