Retraction: A robust collagen-targeting MRI peptide contrast agent for in vivo imaging of hepatic fibrosis

Abstract

Retraction of ‘A robust collagen-targeting MRI peptide contrast agent for in vivo imaging of hepatic fibrosis’ by Zhao Liu et al., Chem. Commun., 2023, 59, 6068–6071, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC01096A.

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We, the named authors, hereby wholly retract this Chemical Communications article as significant errors related to the data presented were brought to our attention, including concerns with the synthetic method, the purity of the compounds reported, the binding assays conducted and the MRI study. Additionally, the data associated with Fig. 5 contained calculation errors and this resulted in incorrect notation and analysis of relaxation rates alongside inadequate probe characterization.

Further substantial experiments were undertaken to confirm the efficacy of the probe and, after consultation with an independent expert, the Royal Society of Chemistry has determined that any changes made to the paper to correct the errors would be major, and therefore retraction and republication is the best course of action to maintain the integrity of the scientific record.

The Royal Society of Chemistry is happy that the overall conclusions of the paper are not affected by these errors, and therefore republication of the work with the correct data and conclusions is appropriate. The republished article containing further data supporting the conclusions was peer reviewed and can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC00702F.

We the authors are happy with the decision to retract and republish this article.

Signed: Zhao Liu, Linge Nian, Xiangdong Cai, Yue Hu, Junqiang Lei and Jianxi Xiao.

Date: 29th July 2024

Retraction endorsed by Richard Kelly, Executive Editor, Chemical Communications.

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