1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diacetic acid

Description

1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diacetic acid, often abbreviated as **DOTA**, is a **macrocyclic chelating agent**. This means it has a large ring structure containing multiple nitrogen atoms capable of binding metal ions.

Here's a breakdown of why DOTA is important for research:

**1. Metal Ion Coordination:**
* DOTA forms very stable complexes with a wide range of metal ions, including gadolinium(III), copper(II), and technetium(I). These complexes are extremely stable, meaning the metal ion is tightly bound and unlikely to dissociate.

**2. Applications in Medicine:**
* **Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):** DOTA is used to create **contrast agents** for MRI. When complexed with gadolinium(III), it forms a compound called **gadolinium DOTA** (Gd-DOTA) which enhances the contrast in MRI images, allowing for better visualization of tissues and organs.
* **Radiopharmaceuticals:** DOTA complexes with radioactive metals like technetium(I) are used in **radiopharmaceutical imaging**. These complexes can target specific organs or tissues in the body, allowing for the detection and diagnosis of diseases.
* **Drug Delivery:** DOTA can be conjugated to drugs or other molecules, allowing for the development of targeted drug delivery systems. This can improve drug efficacy and reduce side effects.
* **Bio-conjugation:** DOTA can be used to attach metal ions to biomolecules like proteins and antibodies, facilitating their detection and manipulation.

**3. Research Uses:**
* **Metal Ion Sensing:** DOTA can be used as a sensor for specific metal ions. When a target metal ion binds to DOTA, it can induce a change in the molecule's fluorescence or other properties, allowing for its detection.
* **Catalysis:** DOTA complexes with metal ions can act as catalysts for various chemical reactions.
* **Material Science:** DOTA can be used to create functional materials with specific properties.

**In summary:** 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diacetic acid (DOTA) is a versatile and important molecule due to its ability to form stable complexes with metal ions. This property makes it a key component in various applications, ranging from medical imaging to catalysis, and fuels ongoing research in diverse fields.

1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diacetic acid: structure in first source [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]