Noninvasive Raman spectroscopy in living mice for evaluation of tumor targeting with carbon nanotubes

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Optical Imaging

Background:

• Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are promising nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
• Targeted delivery of SWNTs to tumors can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce off-target effects.
• Noninvasive imaging techniques are crucial for monitoring the biodistribution of nanomaterials in vivo.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the tumor targeting and localization of SWNTs in a preclinical mouse model using noninvasive Raman microscopy.
• To compare the accumulation of RGD-conjugated SWNTs (RGD-SWNTs) with plain SWNTs in tumor tissues.

Main Methods:

• An optimized noninvasive Raman microscope was employed for imaging.
• Two groups of tumor-bearing mice were used: one received plain-SWNTs, and the other received RGD-SWNTs intravenously.
• Raman imaging was performed over 72 hours to track SWNT accumulation.

Main Results:

• Raman imaging revealed significantly increased accumulation of RGD-SWNTs in tumor tissues compared to plain-SWNTs (p < 0.05).
• The study demonstrated successful in vivo tracking and localization of SWNTs within tumors.

Conclusions:

• Targeted RGD-SWNTs exhibit enhanced tumor accumulation, validating their potential for tumor-specific delivery.
• The findings support the development of a novel preclinical Raman imager for evaluating nanocarrier biodistribution and tumor targeting.