Design of triphasic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles containing a perfluorocarbon phase for biomedical applications

Abstract

The influence of different synthesis parameters on the characteristics of polymeric particles with a third perfluorocarbon phase.

Multicore Liquid Perfluorocarbon‐Loaded Multimodal Nanoparticles for Stable Ultrasound and 19F MRI Applied to In Vivo Cell Tracking

“…A PFCE encapsulation of 20–40 wt% (33 ± 11 wt% (number of batches N = 79)) was demonstrated by NMR spectroscopy (compare Table S2, Supporting Information, for some examples). We found that these nanoparticles, apart from being suitable for 19 F MRI, also generate acoustic contrast and can be imaged using standard ultrasound B‐mode imaging (Figure c). Moreover, the acoustic contrast lasts at least a few hours with no signs of degradation, allowing for long‐term imaging over a course of 48 h at least, as we show later in this study ( Figure c).…”

“…The nanoparticles are synthesized using a miniemulsion formulation technique . They consist of a PLGA matrix loaded with PFCE and are stabilized with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) ( Figure a).…”

“…Here, we focus on nanoparticles rather than capsules, due to their superior stability. We have previously shown that labeling cells with nanoparticles does not result in the loss of cell viability, when compared to a nonlabeled control . Furthermore, our previous MRI study has shown no effect of labeling on cells with respect to the expression of maturation markers by DCs, their ability to activate T cells or their migratory behavior .…”

“…The physicochemical characteristics of fractal PFCE‐PLGA nanoparticles can be adjusted for additional biomedical applications . Possible modifications include changes in size or degradation rate, as well as surface modification with targeting ligands or a stealth PEG coating for additional applications . Finally, these nanoparticles have recently been approved for a pilot clinical trial, where they will be used to label therapeutic dendritic cells in melanoma patients [NCT02574377].…”

“…Additionally, these nanoparticles can be loaded with gadoteridol for 1 H MRI imaging and with fluorescent dyes. PFC‐loaded PLGA nanoparticles have been originally explored as imaging agents for 19 F MRI . 19 F MRI has become a key player in cell tracking, owing to (1) the absence of radiotracers and ionizing radiation, (2) an imaging window not restricted by tracer decay, (3) the ability for in vivo quantification, and (4) the direct clinical translatability .…”