Self-assembled polymeric nanoparticles as new, smart contrast agents for cancer early detection using magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Early cancer detection is a major factor in the reduction of mortality and cancer management cost. Here we developed a smart and targeted micelle-based contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), able to turn on its imaging capability in the presence of acidic cancer tissues. This smart contrast agent consists of pH-sensitive polymeric micelles formed by self-assembly of a diblock copolymer (poly(ethyleneglycol- b -trimethylsilyl methacrylate)), loaded with a gadolinium hydrophobic complex ( t BuBipyGd) and exploits the acidic pH in cancer tissues. In vitro MRI experiments showed that t BuBipyGd-loaded micelles were pH-sensitive, as they turned on their imaging capability only in an acidic microenvironment. The micelle-targeting ability toward cancer cells was enhanced by conjugation with an antibody against the MUC1 protein. The ability of our antibody-decorated micelles to be switched on in acidic microenvironments and to target cancer cells expressing specific antigens, together with its high Gd(III) content and its small size (35–40 nm) reveals their potential use for early cancer detection by MRI.

Multimodal Imaging Nanoparticles Derived from Hyaluronic Acid for Integrated Preoperative and Intraoperative Cancer Imaging

“…Since the mass percent of gadolinium in these contrast agents is relatively low, dosing is a unique challenge as opposed to other contrast agents such as inorganic nanoparticles or small molecule contrast agents. However, our results concur with previously published data [ 19 , 27 , 37 – 39 ] for the use of macromolecular contrast agents, in which MR signal is shown to increase and provide adequate contrast in vivo. The contrast obtained in MR imaging is shown to increase over a 24 h period, which is also consistent with our previously published data [ 5 ] on the biodistribution and optimal imaging time for fluorescent HA in IGS.…”

Liposome as nanocarrier: Site targeted delivery in lung cancer

“…It works by avoiding the ionizing radiations. MRI, largely due to its non-invasive character interrelated to other compensations, as like direct multiplane metaphors forming capability, discriminates soft tissues and obtains anatomical statistics [38]. To target a wide range of cancer types, different antitumor agents ranging from diminutive chemicals to bio macromolecules have been turned out which are promoted by intravenous pathway due to swift onset time, advanced propensity to reach the tumor section and slightest drug loss at the administration time [39].…”

Enabling personalized cancer medicine decisions: The challenging pharmacological approach of PBPK models for nanomedicine and pharmacogenomics (Review)

“…To this respect, PBPK modeling represents for complex and multifactorial diseases, such as cancer, an essential and fruitful tool with which to advance future research regarding the disposition of nanoformulations at the site of their action in the body (70,93,94). This needed collaboration from various scientific disciplines of pharmacology, in silico modeling and pharmaceutical nanotechnology shows a tremendous potential for designing sophisticated and clinically effective and safe nanomedicines with either diagnostic and/or therapeutic modality (95)(96)(97)(98). Importantly, the usefulness of such nanomedicine-focused PBPK models could directly be exploited for specific cancer (or other disease-related) patient groups such as the pediatric population to help solve issues of pediatric drug development and administration dosage scheme protocols (99).…”