Gold nanoparticles functionalised by Gd-complex of DTPA-bis(amide) conjugate of glutathione as an MRI contrast agent

The work is directed toward the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) coated with paramagnetic Gd-complex of DTPA-bis(amide) conjugate of glutathione (GdL) for use as a highly efficient MRI contrast agent. Well-dispersed spherical Au NPs coated with gadolinium complexes, abbreviated as Au@GdL, have been obtained; the mean size of Au@GdL is 5–7 nm, and the numbers of GdL are 1.36 × 104 per Au NP. Au@GdL exhibits high longitudinal (r1) and transverse (r2) relaxivities of 1.87 × 105 and 3.02 × 105 mM−1 s−1, respectively.