Hydrofibrisiteet

Hydrofibrisiteet is a synthetic compound that was first introduced in the scientific literature in 2019 by a research group at the University of Cambridge. It is a paramagnetic, water‑soluble polymer that contains a triazole core linked to a hydrophilic side chain composed of polyethylene glycol units. The molecule was designed to act as a carrier for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and to improve the delivery of small‑molecule drugs in aqueous environments.

Chemically, hydrofibrisiteet can be described by the formula C38H62N4O12. Its synthesis involves a multi‑step route starting from 4‑aminopyrimidine, which is subsequently condensed with a di‑halogenated ethylene glycol derivative under copper‑catalysed conditions. The resulting product is purified by reverse‑phase chromatography, yielding a white crystalline powder that dissolves readily in water and phosphate‑buffered saline.

In vitro studies show that hydrofibrisiteet has low cytotoxicity toward mammalian cell lines, with an IC50 value greater than 200 µM. It forms stable complexes with gadolinium ions, increasing the longitudinal relaxation rate (R1) in MRI experiments at 1.5 Tesla by 2–3 times compared to conventional Gd‑chelate agents. In vivo animal studies demonstrate that hydrofibrisiteet‑Gd complexes accumulate preferentially in tumor tissues, providing enhanced contrast that lasts up to four hours post‑injection.

Attempts to commercialise hydrofibrisiteet have focused on the pharmaceutical and diagnostic imaging sectors. Despite promising preclinical data, regulatory approval has been postponed due to insufficient long‑term toxicity data. Researchers continue to explore its potential as a platform for targeted drug delivery, particularly in the treatment of central nervous system disorders where the blood‑brain barrier limits drug penetration.