19F-nanoparticles: Platform for in vivo delivery of fluorinated biomaterials for 19F-MRI

• Published in: Journal of controlled release Vol. 338; pp. 870 - 889
• Main Authors: Mali, Alvja, Kaijzel, Eric L., Lamb, Hildo J., Cruz, Luis J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 10-10-2021
• Subjects: 19F magnetic resonance imaging; Fluorine-19; Nanoparticles; Nanoprobes; Perfluocarbons; Nanoparticles; Fluorine-19; Nanoprobes; 19F magnetic resonance imaging; Perfluocarbons
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.09.001

Fluorine-19 (19F) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features one of the most investigated and innovative techniques for quantitative and unambiguous cell tracking, providing information for both localization and number of cells. Because of the relative insensitivity of the MRI technique, a high number of magnetically equivalent fluorine atoms are required to gain detectable signals. However, an increased amount of 19F nuclei induces low solubility in aqueous solutions, making fluorine-based probes not suitable for in vivo imaging applications. In this context, nanoparticle-based platforms play a crucial role, since nanoparticles may carry a high payload of 19F-based contrast agents into the relevant cells or tissues, increase the imaging agents biocompatibility, and provide a highly versatile platform. In this review, we present an overview of the 19F-based nanoprobes for sensitive 19F-MRI, focusing on the main nanotechnologies employed to date, such as fluorine and theranostic nanovectors, including their design and applications.
19F-based Nanoprobes for fluorine-19 MRI purposes. [Display omitted]
•Nanoparticles may carry a high payload of 19F-based contrast agents.•Perfluorocarbons-based nanoprobes are the most promising system.•Fluorinated biomaterial-based nanoprobes hold a high number of fluorine atoms.•19F- probes designed thus far show long T1 and short T2 relaxation times.•Perfluorocarbons-Paramagnetic nanoprobes shows an increased 19F imaging efficiency.