In Situ 3D-to-2D Transformation of Manganese-Based Layered Silicates for Tumor-Specific T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging with High Signal-to-Noise and Excretability

Recently, Mn(II)-based T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs) have been explored widely for cancer diagnosis. However, the "always-on" properties and poor excretability of the conventional Mn(II)-based CAs leads to high background signals and unsatisfactory clearance from the body. Here, we report an "in situ three-dimensional to two-dimensional (3D-to-2D) transformation" method to prepare novel excretable 2D manganese-based layered silicates (Mn-LSNs) with extremely high signal-to-noise for tumor-specific MR imaging for the first time. Our observations combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that 3D metal (Mn, Fe, Co) oxide nanoparticles are initially formed from the molecular precursor solution and then in situ transform into 2D metal (Mn, Fe, Co)-based layered silicates triggered by the addition of tetraethyl orthosilicate, which provides a time-saving and versatile way to prepare novel 2D silicate nanomaterials. The unique ion-exchangeable capacity and high host layer charge density endow Mn-LSNs with an "ON/OFF" pH/GSH stimuli-activatable T1 relaxivity with superb high signal-to-noise (640-, 1200-fold for slightly acidic and reductive changes, respectively). Further in vivo MR imaging reveals that Mn-LSNs exhibit a continuously rapid T1-MRI signal enhancement in tumor tissue and no visible signal enhancement in normal tissue, indicating an excellent tumor-specific imaging. In addition, Mn-LSNs exhibit a rapid excretion from the mouse body in 24 h and invisible organ toxicity, which could help to solve the critical intractable degradation issue of conventional inorganic CAs. Moreover, the tumor microenvironment (pH/GSH/H2O2) specific degradability of Mn-LSNs could help to improve the penetration depth of particles into the tumor parenchyma. Developing this novel Mn-LSNs contrast agent, together with the already demonstrated capacity of layered silicates for drug and gene delivery, provides opportunities for future cancer theranostics.