Multifunctional Biocompatible Hyperbranched Polymers as Molecular Imaging Agents and Theranostics.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Theranostics integrate disease detection, treatment, and monitoring into a single entity.
• Nanomaterials are commonly employed for theranostics by combining imaging reporters, therapeutics, and targeting agents.
• Hyperbranched polymers offer high functional diversity for theranostic development due to their unique chemical structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a straightforward protocol for synthesizing and characterizing biocompatible hyperbranched polymers for theranostic applications.
• To demonstrate the introduction of various functionalities, including imaging agents and therapeutics, at specific locations within the polymer structure.
• To outline methods for preclinical evaluation of these novel hyperbranched polymer-based theranostics using fluorescence and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of biocompatible hyperbranched polymers.
• Characterization of polymer structure and functionality.
• Orthogonal chemical strategies for incorporating fluorophores, PET radioisotope chelators, targeting agents, and therapeutics.
• Preclinical evaluation using fluorescence and PET imaging.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched polymers suitable for theranostics.
• Demonstrated precise incorporation of diverse functional groups, including imaging and therapeutic agents.
• Established protocols for preclinical assessment of hyperbranched polymer theranostics.

Conclusions:

• Hyperbranched polymers are a promising class of materials for developing advanced theranostics.
• The presented protocols enable the facile creation and evaluation of novel polymer-based theranostic agents.
• These findings facilitate the application of hyperbranched polymers in new disease models and therapeutic strategies.