| Abstract: | Formulations based on novel particulate ion-exchange resins, containing a wide range of paramagnetic transition and rare-earth metals bound to their surfaces, have been synthesised as potential contrast agents for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract of man. They have been evaluated in terms of their effects upon the spin-lattice (R1) and spin-spin (R2) relaxation rates of the protons of water. Careful selection of the polymer, spacer-arm, ligand and paramagnetic ion provides a means for subtle molecular tailoring. Further potential applications have been highlighted based on the observed properties of such formulations. |
