Date of Award
2010
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Chemistry
Supervisor
Dr. Elizabeth Gillies
Abstract
Rigid poly(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) polymers and dendrimers are composed of alternating phenyl rings and alkynebonds. Despite their inherent rigidity they have not yet been used as scaffolds for Gd(III) MRI contrast agents. This thesis examines the attachment of Gd(III) contrast agents to water-soluble PPE polymers in order to increase the contrast agent’s relaxivity. Two PPE polymers having Gd(III) chelates were synthesized but one showed poor water solubility and was not tested for its effects on relaxivity. The other’s relaxivity was tested, but was found to be lower than anticipated.
This was attributed to the assembly of the polymer into micrometer sized particles that inhibited the contrast agent’s relaxivity. Steps toward a Gd(III) contrast agent attached to the periphery of a PPE dendrimer are also reported in this work.
Recommended Citation
Atkins, Katelyn M., "Rigid Poly(phenylene ethynylene)s as Gd(III) Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging" (2010). Digitized Theses. 4844.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4844