We synthesized a generation of water-soluble, atomically precise gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) with anisotropic surface containing short dithiol pegylated chain. These Au NCs exhibit a high brightness (QY∼6%) in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectrum with a detection above 1250nm and showed a slow elimination from blood with a weak accumulation in organs. We also developed a non-invasive, whole-body vascular imaging system in the SWIR window with high-resolution, benefiting from a series of Monte Carlo image processing of the images. The imaging process enabled to improve contrast by one order of magnitude and enhance by 54% the spatial resolution. After systemic administration of these nanoprobes in mice, we could quantify vessel complexity in depth (>4mm). Using Bmp9 deficient mice, we can detect very subtle vascular disorders noninvasively. The combination of these anisotropic surface charged gold nanoclusters plus an improved SWIR imaging device allows then a precise mapping at high resolution and in depth of the organization of the vascular network in live animals.

Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is an attractive method for drug delivery with convenient application, less first-pass effect, and fewer systemic side effects. Among all generations of TDDS, transdermal nanocarriers show the greatest clinical potential because of their non-invasive properties and high drug delivery efficiency. However, it is still difficult to design optimal transdermal nanocarriers to overcome the skin barrier, control drug release, and achieve targeting. Hence, surface modification becomes a promising strategy to optimize and functionalize the transdermal nanocarriers with enhanced penetration efficiency, controlled drug release profile, and targeting drug delivery. Therefore, this review summarizes the developed transdermal nanocarriers with their transdermal mechanism, and focuses on the surface modification strategies via their different functions.