Paramagnetic metal-nanodiamond conjugates
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the synthesis of conjugates of paramagnetic metal ions and nanodiamonds, and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention provides synthesis of paramagnetic metal-nanodiamond conjugates and methods using such compositions as molecular imaging probes.
1. A composition comprising one or more paramagnetic metal ion complexes coupled to a nanodiamond, wherein said paramagnetic metal ion complexes comprise Gd(III) and DO3A.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said paramagnetic metal ion complex is covalently attached to the surface of said nanodiamond.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said paramagnetic metal ion complex is amine-functionalized.
4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said paramagnetic metal ion complex is coupled to said nanodiamond by a linker.
5. A method of imaging an cell or subject comprising:
(a) contacting said cell or subject with a composition of claim 1 ; and
(b) performing magnetic resonance imaging on said cell or subject.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said composition acts as an imaging agent.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein said imaging agent comprises a contrast agent.