A dual lanthanide probe suitable for optical (Tb3+ luminescence) and magnetic resonance imaging (Gd3+ relaxometry).

A new polyaminocarboxylate ligand derived from N,C-pyrazolylpyridine was synthesized. The luminescence and relaxometry properties of its Tb(3+) and Gd(3+) chelates were investigated in aqueous solutions. The Tb(3+) chelate is strongly luminescent having remarkable lifetime and quantum yield (tau=1.82ms and Phi=0.42). The 1/T(1) proton relaxivity at 20MHz and 25 degrees C (5.3s(-1)mM(-1)) of the Gd(3+) chelate was found to be comparable to that of the clinically used Gd-DTPA.