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Abstract #4030

Manganese-bound Protein-based Hydrogel as a T1-brightening Theranostic Agent

Hao-Wei Shih1, Dustin Britton1, Orlando Aristizabal2, Neelam Pandya2, Jin Kim Montclare1, and Youssef Wadghiri2
1Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, United States, 2NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States

Synopsis

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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Keywords