Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 9, 2025
Fluorescence-quenching of a Liposomal-encapsulated Near-infrared Fluorophore as a Tool for In Vivo Optical Imaging
Published on: January 5, 2015
Biodistribution of fluorescence-labelled EGF protein from slow release NanoZolid depots in mouse
Stefan Grudén1, Charlott Brunmark2, Bo Holmqvist3
1Experimental Cancer Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; LIDDS AB, Virdings allé 32B, SE-754 50 Uppsala, Sweden.
Aim:
The study was designed to evaluate the ability of the calcium sulfate based NanoZolid® drug delivery technology to locally release the epidermal growth factor (EGF) protein while maintaining its biological activity.
Methods:
NanoZolid-formulated EGF protein labelled with a near infrared dye (EGF-NIR) depots or EGF-NIR dissolved in PBS were injected subcutaneously into mice bearing EGF receptor (EGFR) positive human A549 lung cancer tumors inoculated subcutaneously. The release and biodistribution of the EGF-NIR were investigated in vivo longitudinally up to 96 h post administration, utilizing whole body fluorescence imaging. In order to confirm the in vivo findings, histological analysis of tumor cryosections was performed to investigate EGF-NIR fluorescent signal and EGFR expression level by immunofluorescence labelling.
Results:
The in vivo fluorescence imaging showed a controlled release profile of the EGF-NIR loaded in the NanoZolid depots compared to free EGF-NIR. Histological analysis of the tumors further demonstrated a prevailing distribution of EGF-NIR in regions with high levels of EGFR expression.
Conclusion:
Calcium sulfate based depots can be used to formulate EGF while maintaining its biological activity, e.g. receptor binding capability. This may have a good clinical potential for local delivery of biomolecules to enhance treatment efficacy and minimize systemic adverse effects.
