Multifunctional Conjugates for Fluorescence and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Citation

Johnson, Brian P. (2002) Multifunctional Conjugates for Fluorescence and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Master's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/mbc4-7j70. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:02262025-014025819

Abstract

Computer-enhanced light microscopy imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have emerged as leading techniques for in vivo monitoring of intact organisms. Employing the advantages of both techniques, a set of bifunctional, polymeric imaging agents is presented. A high-molecular weight, membrane impermeable scaffold such as dextran was chosen, so that the imaging agent would be trapped inside cells after injection. The molecular framework is covalently functionalized with multiple units of both gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and a fluorescent dye, such as 1,1 'dioctadecyl-3,3,3 ',3 '-tetramethylindocarbocyanine (DiI). The synthesis of this class of reporter probes is versatile, allowing for varying wavelengths of attached fluorophores and types of MRI agents to be used.

Thesis Files