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Paramagnetic Polymers for Improved Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Technology Benefits

Can be optimized to meet requirements of a particular application Decrease of relaxation times Enhanced contrast

Technology Application

Magnet replacements for MRI applications Other applications relying on magnetism

Detailed Technology Description

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have discovered that anions containing transition or rare-earth metals can be used to provide paramagnetic functionality to polymers making them useful in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These paramagnetic polymers can be optimized by tuning the concentration and chemistry of the ion pair (e.g., cation-anion pair), as well as the size and chemistry of the polymer backbone, to meet the requirements of a particular application.  The paramagnetic polymers may decrease relaxation times by an order of magnitude and enhance contrast. These paramagnetic polymers may be utilized as theranostic agents, ion-conducting membranes for electrochemical devices and may be applied to gas separations, electrochemical energy conversions, electrochromics, and H+ -conducting membranes.

Others

Background

The only intravenous magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents currently approved for general use are gadolinium-based (Gd-based) contrast agents. However, the Gd-based contrast agents used often yield concentrations of paramagnetic agents insufficient for contrast enhancement and/or imaging. Gd-based contrast agents further exhibit low relaxivity at high magnetic fields, and present a toxicity risk. Therefore, a need exists for improved intravenous magnetic resonance imaging contract agents.

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Tech ID/UC Case

27193/2017-143-0

Related Cases

2017-143-0

*Abstract

A method using anions containing transition or rare-earth metals to provide paramagnetic functionality to polymers making them useful in magnet resonance imaging.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Samir Mitragotri

Department:

Name: Gabriel Sanoja

Department:

Name: Rachel Segalman

Department:

Country/Region

USA