A smart 19 F and 1 H MRI probe with self‐immolative linker as a versatile tool for detection of enzymes

Here we report on a dual‐modal 19 F and 1 H MRI paramagnetic probe with a self‐immolative linker, Gd–DOMF–Gal. The enzymatic conversion of this probe by β ‐galactosidase resulted in a simultaneous turning on of the fluorine signal and changed ability of the Gd 3+ complex to modulate the 1 H MR signal intensity of the surrounding water molecules. A versatile imaging platform for monitoring a variety of enzymes by 19 F and 1 H MRI using this molecular design is proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.