Delivery of size-controlled long-circulating polymersomes in solid tumours, visualized by quantum dots and optical imaging in vivo

作者：Bakalova Rumiana^*; Lazarova Desislava; Nikolova Biliana; Atanasova Severina; Zlateva Genoveva; Zhelev Zhivko; Aoki Ichio

来源：Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment, 2015, 29(1): 175-180.

DOI：10.1080/13102818.2014.984894

• drug-delivery systems
• nanoparticles
• polymersomes
• quantum dot
• fluorescent imaging
• cancer

The present study was designed to investigate whether poly-ion complex hollow vesicles (polymersomes), based on chemically modified chitosan, are appropriate for passive tumour targeting in the context of their application as drug carriers. The experiments were performed on colon cancer-grafted mice. The mice were subjected to anaesthesia and injected intravenously with water-soluble nanoparticles: (1) QD(705)-labelled polymersomes (average size approximate to 120nm; size distribution approximate to 10%) or (2) native QD(705). The optical imaging was carried out on Maestro EX 2.10 In Vivo Imaging System (excitation filter 435-480nm; emission filter 700nm, longpass). In the case of QD(705), the fluorescence appeared in the tumour area within 1min after injection and disappeared completely within 60min. A strong fluorescent signal was detected in the liver on the 30th minute. The visualization of tumour using QD(705) was based only on angiogenesis. In the case of QD(705)-labelled polymersomes, the fluorescence appeared in the tumour area immediately after injection with excellent visualization of blood vessels in the whole body. A strong fluorescent signal was detected in the tumour area within 16hours. This indicated that QD(705)-labelled polymersomes were delivered predominantly into the tumour due to their long circulation in the bloodstream and enhanced permeability and retention effect. A very weak fluorescent signal was found in the liver area. The data suggest that size-controlled long-circulating polymersomes are very promising carriers for drug delivery in solid tumours, including delivery of small nanoparticles and contrast substances.

• 出版日期2015-1-2