Optimization of a Cell Labeling Strategy for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

With the currently available scanner technology and high field strengths, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows a near cellular resolution and, thus, provides a non-invasive and repetitive means of tracking single cells or small groups of cells after their transplantation or injection in living organisms. Therefore, cells need to be labeled with a suitable MRI contrast agent (CA) in order to differntiate them from surrounding tissue in vivo. Using CA labeled tumor cells it would be possible to follow tumor progression over time with MRI after transplantation or injection.