Fluorescent Labeling and Imaging of IL-22 mRNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles

Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) are widely recognized for their ability to enhance efficient and precise delivery of therapeutic agents, including nucleic acids like DNA and mRNA. Despite this acknowledgment, there is a notable knowledge gap regarding the systemic biodistribution and organ accumulation of these nanoparticles. The ability to track LNPs in vivo is crucial for understanding their fate within biological systems. Fluorescent labeling of LNPs facilitates real-time tracking, quantification, and visualization of their behavior within biological systems, providing valuable insights into biodistribution, cellular uptake, and the optimization of drug delivery strategies. Our prior research established reversely engineered LNPs as an exceptional mRNA delivery platform for treating ulcerative colitis. This study presents a detailed protocol for labeling interleukin-22 (IL-22) mRNA-loaded LNPs, their oral administration to mice, and visualization of DiR-labeled LNPs biodistribution in the gastrointestinal tract using IVIS spectrum. This fluorescence-based approach will assist researchers in gaining a dynamic understanding of nanoparticle fate in other models of interest. Key features • This protocol is developed to assess the delivery of IL-22 mRNA to ulcerative colitis sites using lipid nanoparticles. • This protocol uses fluorescent DiR dye for imaging of IL-22 mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles in the gastrointestinal tract of mice. • This protocol employs the IVIS spectrum for imaging.