Fluorescence Imaging as a Tool in Preclinical Evaluation of Polymer-Based Nano-DDS Systems Intended for Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Targeted drug delivery using nano-sized carrier systems with targeting functions to malignant and inflammatory tissue and tailored controlled drug release inside targeted tissues or cells has been and is still intensively studied. A detailed understanding of the correlation between the pharmacokinetic properties and structure of the nano-sized carrier is crucial for the successful transition of targeted drug delivery nanomedicines into clinical practice. In preclinical research in particular, fluorescence imaging has become one of the most commonly used powerful imaging tools. Increasing numbers of suitable fluorescent dyes that are excitable in the visible to near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths of the spectrum and the non-invasive nature of the method have significantly expanded the applicability of fluorescence imaging. This chapter summarizes non-invasive fluorescence-based imaging methods and discusses their potential advantages and limitations in the field of drug delivery, especially in anticancer therapy. This chapter focuses on fluorescent imaging from the cellular level up to the highly sophisticated three-dimensional imaging modality at a systemic level. Moreover, we describe the possibility for simultaneous treatment and imaging using fluorescence theranostics and the combination of different imaging techniques, e.g., fluorescence imaging with computed tomography.

Glycopolymers for Efficient Inhibition of Galectin-3: In Vitro Proof of Efficacy Using Suppression of T Lymphocyte Apoptosis and Tumor Cell Migration

“…Since lactose interacts most probably with extracellular Gal-3 due to the absence of lactose transporter enzyme, lactose permease, in the eukaryotic cell membrane, we may assume that the glycopolymer suppressed the migratory activity of cancer cells mainly through interaction with intracellular Gal-3. Moreover, our group showed previously that HPMA-based carriers are internalized from culture media by cancer cells through endocytosis, , which is in line with the present “intracellular Gal-3” hypothesis. Advantageously, the interaction between the glycopolymer and intracellular Gal-3 could lead to inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and survival.…”

Coronene-based quantum dots for the delivery of the doxorubicin anticancer drug: a computational study

“…The quencher role of the DOX allows us to track the DDS from the complex formation to the drug release via color-changing. 49 For instance, the violet fluorescence emission in O-C2 and O-A-C2 changes to green in DOX/O-C2 and DOX/O-A-C2 complexes. There is also a change from blue to red in the case of the A-C3 carrier.…”

In vivo fluorescence imaging: success in preclinical imaging paves the way for clinical applications

“…Fluorescence imaging allows for multiplexed imaging—that is, imaging different molecules or structures simultaneously. Choosing fluorophores with non-overlapping emission bands prevents signal bleed-through between imaging channels as long as adequate optical filters are used [ 30 , 31 ]. Multiplexed imaging is mostly applied in in vitro techniques such as flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, but the same approach can be employed in vivo.…”