Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, in contrast to the plethora of fluorescent agents available to target disease biomarkers or exogenous implants, have remained predominantly non-specific. That is, they do not preferentially accumulate in specific locations in vivo because doing so necessitates longer contrast retention, which is contraindicated for current gadolinium (Gd) agents. This double-edge sword implies that Gd agents can offer either rapid elimination (but lack specificity) or targeted accumulation (but with toxicity risks). For this reason, MRI contrast agent innovation has been severely constrained. Gd-free alternatives based on manganese (Mn) chelates have been largely ineffective, as they are inherently unstable. In this study, we present a Mn(III) porphyrin (MnP) platform for bioconjugation, offering the highest stability and chemical versatility compared to any other T1 contrast agent. We exploit the inherent metal stability conferred by porphyrins and the absence of pendant bases (found in Gd or Mn chelates) that limit versatile functionalization. As proof-of-principle, we demonstrate labeling of human serum albumin, a model protein, and collagen hydrogels for applications in in-vivo targeted imaging and material tracking, respectively. In-vitro and in-vivo results confirm unprecedented metal stability, ease of functionalization, and high T1 relaxivity. This new platform opens the door to ex-vivo validation by fluorescent imaging and multipurpose molecular imaging in vivo.