Polyphenol-Poloxamer Self-Assembled Supramolecular Nanoparticles for Tumor NIRF/PET Imaging

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Self-assembled supramolecular nanoparticles offer significant advantages in bioimaging and drug delivery applications.
• Developing novel nanoparticle systems is crucial for enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first fabrication of polyphenol and poloxamer supramolecular nanoparticles (PPNPs).
• To evaluate PPNPs as a bimodal contrast agent for tumor near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.
• To assess the in vivo performance and biocompatibility of PPNPs for cancer imaging.

Main Methods:

• PPNPs were synthesized via multivalent hydrogen bonding between tannic acid and Pluronic F-127, alongside hydrophobic interactions.
• NIRF imaging was performed using PPNPs loaded with IR780 dye.
• PET imaging utilized PPNPs functionalized with the positron-emitting radionuclide ⁸⁹Zr.
• In vivo tumor imaging studies were conducted in animal models.
• In vitro biocompatibility assays, including cell line studies and hemolysis tests, were performed.

Main Results:

• PPNPs demonstrated efficient encapsulation of NIRF dyes and chelation of radionuclides.
• In vivo studies revealed significantly higher fluorescence intensity in tumors compared to other tissues.
• PPNPs exhibited excellent biocompatibility across various cell lines and showed no significant hemolysis in vitro.
• The fabricated PPNPs functioned effectively as a bimodal contrast agent for tumor imaging.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable and biocompatible PPNPs were successfully developed.
• PPNPs serve as an effective bimodal contrast agent for in vivo tumor imaging using both NIRF and PET.
• The study highlights the potential of PPNPs for enhanced cancer diagnostics.