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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
In Vivo Optical Imaging of Brain Tumors and Arthritis Using Fluorescent SapC-DOPS Nanovesicles
Published on: May 2, 2014
Saposin C coupled lipid nanovesicles enable cancer-selective optical and magnetic resonance imaging
Vinod Kaimal1, Zhengtao Chu, Yonatan Y Mahller
1Biomedical Engineering, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
Purpose:
Nanovesicles composed of the phospholipid dioleylphosphatidylserine (DOPS) and a fusogenic protein, saposin C (SapC), selectively target and induce apoptotic cell death in a variety of human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We tested whether such tumor-homing nanovesicles are capable of delivering fluorescent probes and magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents to cancerous tissue to aid in earlier detection and improve visualization.
Procedures:
SapC-DOPS nanovesicles labeled with either a far-red fluorescent probe (CellVue® Maroon, CVM) or conjugated with a dextran coated MR contrast agent, ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO), were systemically administrated into xenografts for tumor detection using optical and MR imaging systems.
Results:
SapC-DOPS nanovesicles were effectively detected in vivo in tumor-bearing animals using both optical and MR imaging techniques, thereby demonstrating the cancer-selective properties of these nanovesicles.
Conclusions:
SapC-DOPS nanovesicles offer promise as a new and robust theranostic agent for broad cancer-selective detection, visualization, and potential therapy.
Insights
Saposin C-dioleylphosphatidylserine (SapC-DOPS) nanovesicles effectively target cancer cells. These nanovesicles can deliver imaging agents for improved tumor detection and visualization.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Saposin C-dioleylphosphatidylserine (SapC-DOPS) nanovesicles demonstrate selective targeting and apoptotic cell death induction in various human cancer cells.
- These nanovesicles show potential for both in vitro and in vivo applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the capability of tumor-homing SapC-DOPS nanovesicles in delivering fluorescent probes and magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents.
- To assess the potential for earlier cancer detection and improved visualization using these nanovesicles.
Main Methods:
- SapC-DOPS nanovesicles were labeled with a far-red fluorescent probe (CellVue® Maroon, CVM) or conjugated with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) MR contrast agents.
- Systemic administration of labeled nanovesicles into xenografts was performed for tumor detection via optical and MR imaging.
Main Results:
- SapC-DOPS nanovesicles were successfully detected in vivo in tumor-bearing animals.
- Both optical and MR imaging techniques confirmed the presence of nanovesicles in tumors, demonstrating their cancer-selective properties.
Conclusions:
- SapC-DOPS nanovesicles show promise as a novel theranostic agent for cancer.
- These nanovesicles facilitate broad cancer-selective detection, visualization, and potential therapeutic applications.
