Parallel multifunctionalization of nanoparticles: a one-step modular approach for in vivo imaging

Multifunctional nanoparticles are usually produced by sequential synthesis, with long multistep protocols. Our study reports a generic modular strategy for the parallel one-step multifunctionalization of different hydrophobic nanoparticles. The method was designed and developed by taking advantage of the natural noncovalent interactions between the fatty acid binding sites of the bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the aliphatic surfactants on different inorganic nanomaterials. As a general example of the approach, three different nanoparticles-iron oxide, upconverting nanophosphors, and gold nanospheres-were nanoemulsified in water with BSA. To support specific applications, multifunctional capability was incorporated with a variety of previously modified BSA modules. These modules include different conjugated groups, such as chelating agents for (68)Ga or (89)Zr and ligand molecules for enhanced in vivo targeting. A large library of 13 multimodal contrast agents was developed with this convergent strategy. This platform allows a highly versatile and easy tailoring option for efficient incorporation of functional groups. Finally, as demonstration of this versatility, a bimodal (PET/MRI) probe including a maleimide-conjugated BSA was selectively synthesized with an RGD peptide for in vivo imaging detection of tumor angiogenesis.