A bisphosphonate for 19 F-magnetic resonance imaging

F-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising technique that may allow us to measure the concentration of exogenous fluorinated imaging probes quantitatively Here, we describe the synthesis and characterisation of a novel geminal bisphosphonate ( F-BP) that contains chemically-equivalent fluorine atoms that show a single and narrow F resonance and a bisphosphonate group that may be used for labelling inorganic materials based in calcium phosphates and metal oxides. The potential of F-BP to provide contrast was analysed and using F-MRI studies demonstrated the potential of F-BP as an MRI contrast agent in the millimolar concentration range with signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) comparable to previously reported fluorinated probes. The preliminary MRI study reported here allowed us to visualise the biodistribution of F-BP, showing uptake in the liver and in the bladder/urinary system areas. However, bone uptake was not observed. In addition, F-BP showed undesirable toxicity effects in mice that prevent further studies with this compound at the required concentrations for MRI contrast. This study highlights the importance of developing F MRI probes with the highest signal intensity achievable.