In Vivo FRET Imaging to Predict the Risk Associated with Hepatic Accumulation of Squalene-Based Prodrug Nanoparticles

Adv Healthc Mater. 2018 Feb;7(3). doi: 10.1002/adhm.201700830. Epub 2017 Nov 30.

Abstract

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is used here for the first time to monitor the in vivo fate of nanoparticles made of the squalene-gemcitabine prodrug and two novel derivatives of squalene with the cyanine dyes 5.5 and 7.5, which behave as efficient FRET pair in the NIR region. Following intravenous administration, nanoparticles initially accumulate in the liver, then they show loss of their integrity within 2 h and clearance of the squalene bioconjugates is observed within 24 h. Such awareness is a key prerequisite before introduction into clinical settings.

Keywords: FRET; in vivo noninvasive imaging; prodrug nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / methods*
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Squalene / chemistry*

Substances

  • Squalene