Indocyanine green-loaded nanoparticles for image-guided tumor surgery
Tanner K Hill1, Asem Abdulahad, Sneha S Kelkar
1Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, ‡Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, §Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences , Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, United States ;
Bioconjugate Chemistry
|January 8, 2015
Summary
New nanoparticles improve near-infrared fluorescent imaging for cancer surgery. These NanoICG particles enhance tumor visibility, aiding surgeons in complete tumor removal and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Accurate detection of tumor margins and masses during surgery is vital for patient survival.
- Image-guided surgery, especially using near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent imaging, offers a promising approach for complete neoplastic tissue removal.
- Current methods using NIR dyes may have limitations in delivery and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel hyaluronic acid (HLA)-derived nanoparticles encapsulating indocyanine green (ICG) for enhanced tumor imaging.
- To evaluate the self-assembly, optical properties, and biocompatibility of these nanoparticles, termed NanoICG.
- To assess the efficacy of NanoICG in improving tumor visualization during image-guided surgery in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized hyaluronic acid nanoparticles by conjugating hydrophobic moieties (PBA, 5βCA, ODA) to entrap indocyanine green (ICG).
- Characterized nanoparticle self-assembly, dye loading efficiency, and fluorescence properties, including quenching and activation mechanisms.
- Assessed the cytotoxicity and cell growth inhibition of NanoICG at physiologically relevant concentrations.
- Evaluated NanoICG performance in an MDA-MB-231 tumor xenograft mouse model using fluorescence image-guided and whole-animal imaging systems.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed NanoICG nanoparticles with tunable self-assembly and optical properties.
- NanoICG exhibited quenched fluorescence, which was recoverable upon disassembly in a mixed solvent.
- NanoICG demonstrated no significant toxicity or inhibition of cell growth at relevant concentrations.
- In vivo studies showed significantly enhanced tumor fluorescence contrast with NanoICG compared to ICG alone, facilitating better tumor visualization.
Conclusions:
- Hyaluronic acid-derived NanoICG nanoparticles represent a safe and effective platform for improving near-infrared fluorescent imaging in image-guided surgery.
- NanoICG enhances tumor contrast, potentially leading to more precise tumor margin detection and complete resection.
- This nanotechnology-based approach holds promise for advancing surgical oncology and improving patient outcomes.
