Micro-computed tomography imaging of composite nanoparticle distribution in the lung

Nanomedicine comprises a significant potential to approach the therapy of severe diseases. Knowledge of nanoparticle behavior at the target site would contribute to the development of specialized tools for respiratory medicine. Here, we were interested in the potential of micro-computed tomography (μCT) imaging to monitor the pulmonary distribution of polymeric nanoparticles. Composite nanoparticles were analyzed for physicochemical properties, morphology and composition. μCT was employed to visualize the pulmonary distribution of composite nanoparticles in an ex vivo lung model. Employed composite nanoparticles were composed of poly(styrene) cores coated by a thin shell of colloidal iron oxide. Particles were mainly located in the interstitial space and associated with pulmonary cells, as observed by light microscopy. μCT detected enhanced X-ray opacities in the conducting (linear pattern) and respiratory airways (aciniform X-ray attenuations). In conclusion, multifunctional nanoparticles will prompt the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic tools in respiratory medicine.