Magnetic targeting of rhodamine-labeled superparamagnetic liposomes to solid tumors: in vivo tracking by fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy

Mol Imaging. 2007 Mar-Apr;6(2):140-6.

Abstract

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated and rhodamine-labeled liposomes loaded with maghemite nanocrystals provide a novel nanoscaled hybrid system for magnetic targeting to solid tumors in possible combination with double in vivo imaging by fluorescence microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Human prostate adenocarcinoma tumors implanted in mice were used as a system model. A magnetic field gradient was produced at the tumor level by external apposition of a magnet. Noninvasive fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy was successfully used to track the liposomes in vivo within organs and tumor blood vessels. Active targeting to the magnet-exposed tumors was clearly shown, in agreement with previous MRI studies. The liposomes were driven and accumulated within the microvasculature through a process that preserved vesicle structure and content.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide / analysis*
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide / chemistry
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide / metabolism
  • Fiber Optic Technology / methods*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / analysis*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Liposomes / chemistry
  • Liposomes / metabolism
  • Male
  • Metal Nanoparticles / analysis*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Rhodamines / analysis*
  • Rhodamines / chemistry
  • Rhodamines / metabolism

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Liposomes
  • Rhodamines
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide