Paramagnetic MgF2 Nanocrystals for 19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MgF2-based formulations have unique physicochemical properties, making them attractive for diverse applications. Here, we show the ability to control the morphology of Sm3+-doped, paramagnetic MgF2 nanocrystals (Sm:MgF2 NCs) for use as nanosized imaging agents for F-19-magnetic resonance imaging (F-19-MRI). By reducing the temperature of the reaction mixture from 160 to 110 degrees C and shortening the reaction time from 16 to 3 h, the morphology of the fabricated oleate-coated Sm:MgF2 NCs was transitioned from rod-shaped to spherical-shaped nanofluorides, both with a characteristic high-resolution liquid-state F-19-NMR resonance at -198 ppm. Further coating the surface of the spheric Sm:MgF2 NCs with a phospholipid layer resulted in a water-soluble formulation that was used to show its detectability with F-19-MRI.