Gold nanoparticles functionalised by Gd-complex of DTPA-bis(amide) conjugate of glutathione as an MRI contrast agent

The work is directed toward the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) coated with paramagnetic Gd-complex of DTPA-bis(amide) conjugate of glutathione (GdL) for use as a highly efficient MRI contrast agent. Well-dispersed spherical Au NPs coated with gadolinium complexes, abbreviated as Au@GdL, have been obtained; the mean size of Au@GdL is 5-7 nm, and the numbers of GdL are 1.36 x 10(4) per Au NP. Au@GdL exhibits high longitudinal (r1) and transverse (r2) relaxivities of 1.87 x 10(5) and 3.02 x 10(5) mM (1) s (1), respectively. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.