Hyaluronic Acid‐Gadolinium Complex Nanospheres as Lymphatic System‐Specific Contrast Agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A novel MRI contrast agent, hyaluronic acid gadolinium complex (HA-Gd-DTPA) nanospheres, is prepared by the synthesis of hyaluronic acid gadolinium complexes and their assembly. The physicochemical properties are characterized, and the lymphatic targeting in vitro and in vivo are also evaluated. The results show that the HA-Gd-DTPA nanospheres with suitable and stable physicochemical properties could be used for in vivo lymphatic targeting studies. Furthermore, the HA-Gd-DTPA nanospheres have obviously higher relaxation efficiency and MRI contrast between blood vessel and lymph vessel in rabbit than that of Magnevist. Thus, the novel MRI contrast agent can be taken up selectively by lymphatic system and used as a potential MRI contrast agents in lymphatic system.