Optimizing the relaxivity of Gd(iii) complexes appended to InP/ZnS quantum dots by linker tuning

Abstract

Three bimodal MRI/optical nanosized contrast agents with high per-nanoparticle relaxivity (up to 2523 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 35 MHz and 932 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 200 MHz) have been prepared connecting up to 115 tris-aqua Gd^III complexes to fluorescent non-toxic InP/ZnS quantum dots. The structure of the linker has an important effect on the relaxivity of the final multimeric contrast agent.