The Role of Fluorine and Fluorinated Gases in Image-Guided Regenerative Medicine

While elemental fluorine (F2) is highly toxic, fluorinated gases—such as perfluorocarbons (PFCs)—are widely utilized in regenerative medicine for image guidance and cell tracking. Leveraging the MRI visibility of fluorine nuclei enables high-resolution cellular localization and in vivo tracking, which is particularly effective for the real-time monitoring of stem cell transplantation and regenerative processes. Furthermore, perfluorinated compounds possess exceptional oxygen solubility and have been developed as synthetic blood substitutes or localized oxygen delivery media to promote the repair of hypoxic tissues. The unique physical properties and imaging advantages of fluorinated gases make them indispensable auxiliary tools in regenerative medicine.