Parallel Multifunctionalization of Nanoparticles: A One-Step Modular Approach for in Vivo Imaging

Abstract

Multifunctional nanoparticles are usually produced by sequential synthesis, with long multistep protocols. Our study reports a generic modular strategy for the parallel one-step multifunctionalization of different hydrophobic nanoparticles. The method was designed and developed by taking advantage of the natural noncovalent interactions between the fatty acid binding sites of the bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the aliphatic surfactants on different inorganic nanomaterials. As a general example of the approach, three different nanoparticles-iron oxide, upconverting nanophosphors, and gold nanospheres-were nanoemulsified in water with BSA. To support specific applications, multifunctional capability was incorporated with a variety of previously modified BSA modules. These modules include different conjugated groups, such as chelating agents for (68)Ga or (89)Zr and ligand molecules for enhanced in vivo targeting. A large library of 13 multimodal contrast agents was developed with this convergent strategy. This platform allows a highly versatile and easy tailoring option for efficient incorporation of functional groups. Finally, as demonstration of this versatility, a bimodal (PET/MRI) probe including a maleimide-conjugated BSA was selectively synthesized with an RGD peptide for in vivo imaging detection of tumor angiogenesis.

Molecular Imaging with 68Ga Radio-Nanomaterials: Shedding Light on Nanoparticles

“…Upconversion luminescence (UCL) is a unique process where low-energy light, usually NIR light, is converted into higher energy light through the sequential absorption of multiple photons or energy transfers [138]. Upon a continuous wave (CW) excitation at 980 nm UCNPs, in particular lanthanide (Ln)-doped UCNPs, exhibit unique UCL properties, such as long lifetimes, high photostability and sharp emission lines that can be multiple when doped with several lanthanides (Figure 8) [139]. The unique properties provided by UCL makes UCNPs truly advantageous for in vivo luminescence imaging.…”

Radiolabeled Nanoparticles in Nuclear Oncology

“…Finally, the IONPs functionalized with BSA and modified with DFO were the chosen platform for further investigation. This nanoconstruct was then conjugated to RGD peptide and labeled with 89 Zr to offer PET/CT and MR imaging capabilities [42].…”

“…Therefore, these nanoconstructs could unambiguously be considered as a useful tool in RES theranostics [92]. [38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55]2018 organs, while in the case of oral administration low-dose distribution to most organs was confirmed, indicating absorption of the nanoconstructs [93].…”

Gold nanoparticles for cancer theranostics — A brief update

“…25,26 Also, AuNPs based PET/MR and PET/UV-Vis dualmodality probes have been designed and developed for cancer targeting and imaging in vivo. 27 Another emerging modality for molecular imaging is Cerenkov luminescence, which can bridge nuclear imaging with optical imaging via the light emitted during the decay of a radionuclide. Radioactive 198 Au-doped Au nanostructures have been designed with di®erent shapes and used for breast cancer imaging in vivo.…”