News 2017

New publication in Accounts of Chemical Research

Tuesday, 19.09.2017 10:00
In this Account article, Goran has summarized the most recent and exciting progress in the field of bioresponsive MRI contrast agents, particularly highlighting the latest reports in preparation and validation of macromolecular and nano-sized probes. Special emphasis is given to probes which hold promise to be utilized in functional MRI experiments, in particular to pH-, calcium-, zinc- or neurotransmitter-sensitive contrast agents.

Link to the article: G. Angelovski. ”Heading Toward Macromolecular and Nanosized Bioresponsive MRI Probes for Successful Functional Imaging” Acc. Chem. Res. 2017, 50, 2215-2224.

New publication in Inorganic Chemistry

Montag 17.07.2017 10:00
We performed a detailed study of the solution structure and water exchange rate of a previously reported Eu(III) complex and its analogue. The chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) spectra were recorded at different temperatures and saturation powers, revealing presence of two CEST-active isomers with coordinated water molecules having similar chemical shifts. Upon assessment of the exchange rates using conventional quantification methods, we concluded that presence of different species should be carefully treated and analyzed to avoid erroneous determination of water exchange rates.

Link to the article: N. Cakić, B. Tickner, M. Zaiss, D. Esteban-Gómez, C. Platas-Iglesias, G. Angelovski. ”Spectrally Undiscerned Isomers Might Lead to Erroneous Determination of Water Exchange Rates of paraCEST Eu(III) Agents.” Inorg. Chem. 2017, 56, 7737-7745.


Paper highlight in the ACS Virtual Issue

Thursday, 08.06.2017 10:00
Our paper published in Biomacromolecules 2016 together with our collaborators from Torino has been featured together with 30 other articles in the ACS Virtual Issue on ‘Next Generation MRI Contrast Agents’. This collection highlights the latest development in the design and optimization of new MRI contrast agents that were published in the following ACS journals over the past 2 years: Inorg. Chem., JACS, ACS Macro Lett., ACS Nano, Bioconjugate Chem., Biomacromolecules, and J. Med. Chem. We are proud to be part of this exciting progress and to contribute in the further development of this research field.

Link to the article: F. Garello, S. Vibhute, S. Gündüz, N. K. Logothetis, E. Terreno, G. Angelovski. “Innovative Design of Ca-Sensitive Paramagnetic Liposomes Results in an Unprecedented Increase in Longitudinal Relaxivity”, Biomacromolecules 2016, 17, 1303-1311.

Link to the Virtual Issue on Next Generation MRI Contrast Agents


Exchange PhD student in the group MR Neuroimaging Agents

Tuesday, 02.05.2017 09:00
dent in the group of Prof. Carlos Platas-Iglesias from University of Coruna, has joined our group for next 3 months. During this period, she is going to perform detailed studies on a series of lanthanide complexes in order to characterize their potential for the use as MRI contrast agents. Rosa’s stay is financially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad).


DFG research grant to Priv.-Doz. Dr. Goran Angelovski

Thursday, 30.03.2017 09:00
Goran has received the research grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG) in amount of 205 000 € for next two years. The project is focused on development of a new class of multimeric and nanoscale bioresponsive contrast agents that are intended for use in functional MRI. These novel probes are anticipated to result in considerably larger MR responses upon interaction with the target ion or molecule and improved biocompatibility during their in vivo utilization. With the new insights obtained with our probes, we aim to improve the current neuroimaging methodologies, and potentially aid early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.


New postdoc in the group MR Neuroimaging Agents

Wednesday, 15.03.2017 09:00
Dr. Yulia Borozdina has joined the group as postdoctoral researcher.  Dr. Borozdina has ample experience with the chemistry of organic radicals – her knowledge will be great asset to the group in developing new MRI contrast agents!

Group retreat AG Angelovski and AG Noori

Monday, 30.01.2017 10:00
The research groups MR Neuroimaging Agents (Goran Angelovski) and Neuronal Convergence (Hamid Noori) organized a joint lab retreat last week at a peaceful venue nearby Freudenstadt. All participants enjoyed the exciting scientific discussions and beautiful landscapes in the heart of the Black Forrest. Following these inspiring days, we expect nothing but very productive outcome through the common projects and outstanding result in the upcoming period!


New publication - Tutorial Review in Chemical Society Reviews

Friday,  06.01.2017 10:00
In this article, Goran and his long-term collaborator, Éva Tóth, introduce the current and potential chemistry approaches in molecular fMRI that allow direct imaging of neurotransmitters. This interdisciplinary Tutorial Review aims to familiarize researchers with different topics which are merging together into a global attempt to study brain function, by providing a brief overview of other imaging and analytical methods to detect neurotransmitter activity, describing the current approaches to sense neurotransmitters by means of molecular MRI agents, and envisaging further progress in probe chemistry or the emergence of innovative imaging methods to directly monitor neurotransmitters.

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