10.1039/c5ra23646k
Mira Younis et al. detail the development of a new MRI-visible polymer for imaging applications. The study focuses on grafting a Gd-based DTPA contrast agent onto a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) derivative using free radical polymerization and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The researchers synthesized an azido mono-functionalized DTPA ligand and complexed it with gadolinium. This complex was then grafted onto an alkyne-functionalized PMMA backbone. The resulting polymer was coated onto a polypropylene mesh using an airbrushing technique and tested for MRI visibility at 7 Teslas. The study also assessed the polymer's cytocompatibility and stability, finding that low concentrations of Gd3+ (as low as 0.1% by weight) were sufficient for MRI visualization without cytotoxic effects. The results indicate that this new MRI-visible polymer has potential for long-term visualization of implanted medical devices and is suitable for biomedical applications.