Fluorescent, Prussian Blue-Based Biocompatible Nanoparticle System for Multimodal Imaging Contrast

Abstract

(1) Background. The main goal of this work was to develop a fluorescent dye-labelling technique for our previously described nanosized platform, citrate-coated Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles (PBNPs). In addition, characteristics and stability of the PB nanoparticles labelled with fluorescent dyes were determined. (2) Methods. We adsorbed the fluorescent dyes Eosin Y and Rhodamine B and methylene blue (MB) to PB-nanoparticle systems. The physicochemical properties of these fluorescent dye-labeled PBNPs (iron(II);iron(III);octadecacyanide) were determined using atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy. A methylene-blue (MB) labelled, polyethylene-glycol stabilized PBNP platform was selected for further assessment of in vivo distribution and fluorescent imaging after intravenous administration in mice. (3) Results. The MB-labelled particles emitted a strong fluorescent signal at 662 nm. We found that the fluorescent light emission and steric stabilization made this PBNP-MB particle platform applicable for in vivo optical imaging. (4) Conclusion. We successfully produced a fluorescent and stable, Prussian blue-based nanosystem. The particles can be used as a platform for imaging contrast enhancement. In vivo stability and biodistribution studies revealed new aspects of the use of PBNPs.

The 3M Concept: Biomedical Translational Imaging from Molecules to Mouse to Man

“…Starting from information gathered in AFM measurements, we explored the biodistribution of different PBNP formulations. The presented nano-and macroscale imaging measurements applied within a very close timeframe ideally complement each other (2,12,16,22,23). Properties of nanoparticles determining their biodistribution can be tracked and targeted using this combination.…”

“…Prussian Blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) are very attractive for a clinical translational use as radiology and nuclear medicine contrast agents (12,18). The base material Prussian Blue is a clinically approved drug in the treatment of Cs and Tl poisoning.…”

“…All modifications in the PBNP production formulae were made by using clinically compatible, FDA-approved excipients and dyes. PBNPs have been proven to be applicable in a variety of diagnostic pre-clinical modalities, from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) through Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) or photoacoustic imaging (12,15,(18)(19)(20). This is largely due to their easy synthesis and their porous structure with a high surface-to-volume ratio (21).…”

“…Reviewing these emerging technologies in a comprehensive manner is beyond the scope of the current treatise; rather, here we present a concept for integrating multi-level, quantitative correlated imaging technologies into the nanobiotechnology discovery and development process. Accordingly, we present development opportunities involving combinations of macromolecular imaging, microscopies and high resolution wholebody in vivo imaging through a sample study (2,4,(12)(13)(14)(15). The concept, named "3M" for "Molecules-to-Mouse-to-Man", merges correlated bioimaging methodologies aimed at several levels of the biological hierarchical organization.…”

Prussian Blue and Its Analogs as Novel Nanostructured Antibacterial Materials

“…Through further doping with a lanthanide ion, multimodal imaging with combined MRI and fluorescence is possible [23]. The same effect can be achieved by coating PBA nanoparticles with a fluorophore-containing polymer [24]. Regarding therapy, PBA's absorption band can be completely shifted with respect to pure PB, lacking a good positioning of the band in the biotransparent window.…”