Determination of Gd3N@C80(OH)20 Interaction with Zn2+ and Fe2+ via Fluorescence Measurements

Abstract

Today’s MRI imagining techniques are capable of discerning between abnormal and normal complex tissues by providing contrasting images of these tissues. One drawback of using MRI imagining is its low sensitivity. However, this sensitivity can be greatly enhanced by introducing a contrasting agent, like the Gd3N@C80(OH)20 complex. This complex can provide a new pathway for water molecules to relax significantly faster and hence generate the desired “contrast” between healthy and unhealthy tissues. When entering the bloodstream, this contrasting agent will interact with ions that are prevalent in the human body. It is necessary to see the extent of the contrasting agent-ion interaction to determine what possible effect it could have on the efficiency of the contrasting agent. The first ever recorded fluorescence emission spectrum of Gd3N@C80(OH)20 complex interacting individually with Zn2+ and Fe2+ is presented. From this spectrum, the nature of the interactions was quantified and can be taken into account for future studies with the Gd3N@C80(OH)20 complex as a contrasting agent.