Preclinical evaluation of polymer encapsulated carbon-based nano and microparticles for sentinel lymph node tattooing

Marta Baselga ¹, Antonio Güemes ^1,2, Manuel Arruebo ^1,3,4

¹Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, 50009, Spain.
²Department of Surgery, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain.
³Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain.
⁴Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Campus Río Ebro, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain.
⁵Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, 50009, Spain. cyargon@unizar.es.
⁶Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain. cyargon@unizar.es.
⁷Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Campus Río Ebro, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain. cyargon@unizar.es.
⁸Networking Res. Center in Biomaterials, Bioengineering and Nanomedicine (CIBERBBN), Instituto de 13 Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
⁹Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain.
¹⁰Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain.

⁰Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, 50009, Spain.

Scientific Reports +

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November 28, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study introduces novel carbon-loaded PLGA particles for improved sentinel lymph node (SLN) tattooing in breast cancer surgery. This new method enhances tattooing efficiency and offers a potentially more effective way to identify affected lymph nodes.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Biomaterials Science
Surgical Pathology

Background

Selective sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNLB) is vital for breast cancer metastasis detection.
Neoadjuvant treatment can alter lymph node characteristics, complicating sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification.
Current carbon-based tattooing methods for SLN identification have limitations.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop and evaluate a novel lymph node tattooing method using carbon-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) particles.
To assess the efficiency and biological impact of these PLGA particles compared to traditional carbon suspensions.
To investigate the influence of particle size and concentration on lymphatic tissue interaction and inflammatory response.

Main Methods

Synthesis and characterization of carbon-loaded PLGA micro- and nanoparticles.
Experimental assessment of particle biodistribution and biological impact in porcine lymph nodes.
Microscopy studies (light and electron) to evaluate cellular effects over 1 to 16 weeks.

Main Results

The novel PLGA particle strategy demonstrated improved tattooing efficiency over single carbon suspensions.
Physicochemical parameters of the PLGA particles influenced their biodistribution and interaction with lymphatic tissue.
The intensity of the inflammatory response varied based on particle size, concentration, and time.

Conclusions

Carbon-loaded PLGA particles represent a promising advancement for sentinel lymph node (SLN) tattooing in breast cancer surgery.
This method offers enhanced efficiency and a potentially more predictable interaction with lymphatic tissue.
Further research into particle parameters can optimize this technique for clinical application in targeted axillary dissection (TAD).

Keywords:

Breast cancer Carbon Carbon-tattooing Nanoparticles Sentinel lymph node biopsy Targeted-axillary dissection Ultrastructure