A Fluorinated Ionic Liquid-Based Activatable F-19 Mri Platform Detects Biological Targets

F-19 magnetic resonance imaging (F-19 MRI) is a promising technique for in vivo molecular imaging and clinical diagnosis, benefiting from its negligible background and unlimited tissue penetration depth. However, the development of F-19 probes with good water solubility and versatile functions for bioresponsive and practical applications remains a challenge. Here, we report fluorinated ion liquids (ILs) as a new type of fluorine agents and build a fluorinated ionic liquid-based activatable F-19 MRI platform (FILAMP), which relies on the phase transition of ILs. Upon exposure to environmental stimulation, coating polymer dissolves or degrades to release the fluorinated ILs payload, which rapidly enhances F-19 signal. This "turn-on" response is verified by the successful detection of biological targets (for example, dysregulated pH and MMP overexpression) at the cellular level and in mice, demonstrating the potential of FILAMP as a robust activatable F-19 probe for diagnosis and monitoring of biological and pathological processes.