Surface-Engineered HA-PEG-ICG/PLGA Nanoprobes with Vessels Targeting for Lymphatic System Visualization

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Targeted imaging of the lymphatic system is crucial for diagnosing and managing lymphatic disorders like lymphedema.
• Current imaging methods may lack specificity and efficiency for detailed lymphatic visualization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel lymphatic-targeted fluorescent nanoprobe for improved lymphatic imaging.
• To evaluate the safety, targeting efficiency, and imaging capabilities of the developed nanoprobe.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of hyaluronic acid-polyethylene glycol (HA-PEG) surface-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles encapsulating indocyanine green (ICG) (HA-PEG-ICG/PLGA NPs) via microemulsion.
• Characterization using UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence analysis, FTIR, and ζ-potential measurements.
• In vitro biocompatibility assays with human keratinocytes and mouse lymphatic endothelial cells, and in vivo imaging studies in mice.

Main Results:

• Physicochemical characterization confirmed nanoparticle stability and successful functionalization.
• In vitro studies demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and enhanced cellular uptake in lymphatic endothelial cells via HA-mediated receptor binding (LYVE-1).
• In vivo imaging revealed prolonged retention and selective fluorescence accumulation in lymphatic vessels, outperforming free ICG and non-targeted nanoparticles.

Conclusions:

• HA-PEG-ICG/PLGA NPs represent a safe and effective nanoplatform for real-time lymphatic imaging.
• The targeted system shows significant potential for early lymphedema diagnosis and intraoperative lymphatic mapping.
• This approach could be integrated into future theranostic strategies for lymphatic diseases.