targeting and multimodal imaging of cerebral amyloid-β aggregates using hybrid GdF nanoparticles.

To propose a new multimodal imaging agent targeting amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in Alzheimer's disease. A new generation of hybrid contrast agents, based on gadolinium fluoride nanoparticles grafted with a pentameric luminescent-conjugated polythiophene, was designed, extensively characterized and evaluated in animal models of Alzheimer's disease through MRI, two-photon microscopy and synchrotron x-ray phase-contrast imaging. Two different grafting densities of luminescent-conjugated polythiophene were achieved while preserving colloidal stability and fluorescent properties, and without affecting biodistribution. brain uptake was dependent on the blood-brain barrier status. Nevertheless, multimodal imaging showed successful Aβ targeting in both transgenic mice and Aβ fibril-injected rats.