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Quantitative Label-Free Chemical Imaging of PLGA Nanoparticles in Cells and Tissues with Single-Particle Sensitivity.

Xin GaoXiaoqi LangElsy El KhouryMian WeiNaixin QianWei Min
Published in: Nano letters (2024)
Nanomedicine has brought significant advancements to healthcare by utilizing nanotechnology in medicine. Despite much promise, the further development of nanocarriers for clinical use has been hindered by a lack of understanding and visualization of nano-bio interactions. Conventional imaging methods have limitations in resolution, sensitivity, and specificity. This study introduces a label-free optical approach using stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to image poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocarriers, the most widely used polymeric nanocarrier for delivery therapeutic agents, with single-particle sensitivity and quantification capabilities. A unique Raman peak was identified for PLGA ester, enabling generalized bio-orthogonal bond imaging. We demonstrated quantitative SRS imaging of PLGA nanocarriers across different biological systems from cells to animal tissues. This label-free imaging method provides a powerful tool for studying this prevalent nanocarrier and quantitatively visualizing their distribution, interaction, and clearance in vivo.
Keyphrases
  • induced apoptosis
  • label free
  • drug delivery
  • high resolution
  • drug release
  • healthcare
  • cancer therapy
  • gene expression
  • mass spectrometry
  • cell proliferation
  • single molecule
  • high throughput