In vivo lymphatic targeting of methylene blue with microemulsion and multiple microemulsion

Three formulations including methylene blue solution (MB-S), MB water-in-oil microemulsion (MB-ME), and MB multiple microemulsion (MB-MME) were prepared with the aim to evaluate whether the three formulations can carry MB target to regional lymph nodes and show lymphatic tropism after subcutaneous administration. The pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were also studied. The morphology of MB-ME and MB-MME was examined by transmission electron microscopy to characterize the microstructure. The particle size and viscosity were also measured. MB concentrations in plasma, lymph nodes, and limb soles were quantitatively analyzed using HPLC. Results show that MME can target MB to regional lymph nodes, and can be employed as a potential lymph tracer in sentinel lymph node biopsy.