Issue 9, 2011

Multimodal imaging probes based on Gd-DOTA conjugated quantum dot nanomicelles

Abstract

Recently, multimodal nanoparticles integrating dual- or tri-imaging modalities into a single hybrid nanosystem have attracted plenty of attention in biomedical research. Here, we report the fabrication of two types of multimodal micelle-encapsulated nanoparticles, which were systematically characterized and thoroughly evaluated in terms of their imaging potential and biocompatibility. Optical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging probes were integrated by conjugating DOTA-gadolinium (Gd) derivative to quantum dot based nanomicelles. Two amphiphilic block copolymer micelles, amine-terminated mPEG-phospholipid and amine-modified Pluronic F127, were chosen as the capping agents because of their excellent biocompatibility and ability to prevent opsonization and prolong circulation time in vivo. Owing to their different hydrophobic–hydrophilic structure, the micellar aggregates exhibited different sizes and protection of core QDs. This work revealed the differences between these nanomicelles in terms of the stability over a wide range of pH, along with their cytotoxicity and the capacity for chelating gadolinium, thus providing a useful guideline for tailor-making multimodal nanoparticles for specific biomedical applications.

Graphical abstract: Multimodal imaging probes based on Gd-DOTA conjugated quantum dot nanomicelles

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
19 Dec 2010
Accepted
07 Feb 2011
First published
04 Mar 2011

Analyst, 2011,136, 1881-1886

Multimodal imaging probes based on Gd-DOTA conjugated quantum dot nanomicelles

L. Liu, W. Law, K. Yong, I. Roy, H. Ding, F. Erogbogbo, X. Zhang and P. N. Prasad, Analyst, 2011, 136, 1881 DOI: 10.1039/C0AN01017K

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