Polymer nanoparticles containing 2,4,6-triiodophenol: a potential contrast medium for medical imaging

Contrast agents have been utilized for x-ray imaging to visualize blood vessels. Triiodobenzene derivatives are known contrast agents yet have not been formulated in a nanoparticle form for the purpose of enhancing the contrast of cancer tissues. In this study, experiments to encapsulate 2,4,6-triiodophenol in a polymer matrix were designed. Spherical NPs made of PLA, PLGA, PLA-TPGS, PLGA-TPGS and TPGS-FOL, were synthesized and characterized. Using the oil-in-water single-emulsion technique, the effect of several experimental parameters such as sonication power, ratio of 2,4,6-triiodophenol/polymer, type and concentration of emulsifier, and polymer type has been studied. A good morphology of polymer NPs with entrapped 2,4,6-triiodophenol was successfully obtained however the encapsulated iodine was in the range of 5 to 26%.