Deciphering the Role of H-Ferritin Nanocages in Improving Tumor-Targeted Delivery of Indocyanine Green: Combined Analysis of Murine Tissue Homogenates with UHPLC–MS/MS and Fluorescence

Abstract

We investigated the relevance of encapsulation in H-ferritin nanocages (HFn) in determining an improved tumor-targeted delivery of indocyanine green (ICG). Since from previous experiments, the administration of HFn loaded with ICG (HFn-ICG) resulted in an increased fluorescence signal of ICG, our aim was to uncover if the nanoformulation could have a major role in driving a specific targeting of the dye to the tumor or rather a protective action on ICG’s fluorescence. Here, we took advantage of a combined analysis involving ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) on murine tissue homogenates matched with fluorescence intensities analysis detected by ex vivo optical imaging. The quantification of ICG content performed on different organs over time combined with the fluorescent signal detection confirmed the superior delivery of ICG thanks to the nanoformulation. Our results showed that HFn-ICG drives a real accumulation at the tumor instead of only having a role in the preservation of ICG’s fluorescence, further supporting its use as a delivery system of ICG for fluorescence-guided surgery applications in oncology.

Single Ferritin Nanocages Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike Variants to Receptor and Antibodies

“…The usage of ferritin molecules has been extensive for vaccine generation as they can be easily degraded and also have low toxicity and immunogenicity [8]. In oncology, these H-ferritin nanocages can also be used as a delivery system of indocyanine green (ICG) for fluorescence-guided surgery applications [9], alongside drug delivery in cancer therapies [10]. In addition to the drug molecules encapsulated within the nanocages, ferritins are often combined with different modifications to enhance their therapeutic effects [8].…”