Iron-doped calcium phytate nanoparticles as a bio-responsive contrast agent in H-1/P-31 magnetic resonance imaging

We present the MR properties of a novel bio-responsive phosphorus probe doped with iron for dual proton and phosphorus magnetic resonance imaging (H-1/P-31-MRI), which provide simultaneously complementary information. The probes consist of non-toxic biodegradable calcium phytate (CaIP6) nanoparticles doped with different amounts of cleavable paramagnetic Fe3+ ions. Phosphorus atoms in the phytate structure delivered an efficient P-31-MR signal, with iron ions altering MR contrast for both H-1 and P-31-MR. The coordinated paramagnetic Fe3+ ions broadened the P-31-MR signal spectral line due to the short T-2 relaxation time, resulting in more hypointense signal. However, when Fe3+ was decomplexed from the probe, relaxation times were prolonged. As a result of iron release, intensity of H-1-MR, as well as the P-31-MR signal increase. These H-1 and P-31-MR dual signals triggered by iron decomplexation may have been attributable to biochemical changes in the environment with strong iron chelators, such as bacterial siderophore (deferoxamine). Analysing MR signal alternations as a proof-of-principle on a phantom at a 4.7 T magnetic field, we found that iron presence influenced H-1 and P-31 signals and signal recovery via iron chelation using deferoxamine.