Chapter 3: Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) Contrast Agents

Authors

Giuseppe Ferrauto, Università degli Studi di Torino
Silvio Aime, Università degli Studi di Torino
Michael T. McMahon, Johns Hopkins University
Janet R. Morrow, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Eric M. Snyder, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Alex Li, Robarts Research Institute
Robert Bartha, Robarts Research InstituteFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Journal

New Developments in NMR

Volume

2018-January

Issue

13

First Page

243

Last Page

317

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1039/9781788010146-00243

Abstract

This chapter considers the development of safe and sensitive chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast agents for MRI. CEST MRI is a contrast mechanism that enables the amplified detection of solutes based on the exchange of their labile protons with water. This chapter describes the general theory of CEST agents and their practical uses. Consideration is then given to the acquisition of CEST spectra, including instrumentation, sample conditions and data analysis, as well as the determination of the number of inner-sphere water molecules (q) for metal-based CEST complexes and proton exchange rates (kex). The preparation and characterization of paramagnetic micelles and liposomes is also discussed as well as the acquisition of CEST MR phantom images.