Multi-contrast magnetic particle imaging for tomographic pH monitoring using stimuli-responsive hydrogels

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a tomographic imaging technique which determines the spatial distribution of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Multi-contrast MPI provides the ability to detect environmental conditions of MNPs, such as temperature or viscosity. One parameter that has not been investigated but shows high potential for medical diagnosis is the pH value, as it is an indicator of inflamed or tumorous tissue. In this work, we present an approach to resolve the pH value using multi-contrast MPI. Our proof-of-concept is based on a stimuli-responsive, magnetic hydrogel that exhibits reversible swelling in response to a pH change. The pH contrast is generated indirectly via the pH-responsive hydrogel swelling modulating the signal of embedded MNPs. Magnetic particle spectrometry measurements show that the hydrogels' magnetic response correlates with the pH value, which could provide a new way of contactless pH monitoring. Finally, the feasibility of resolving different pH values in a multi-contrast MPI image is demonstrated.