MRI observation of the light-induced release of a contrast agent from photo-controllable polymer micelles.
The encapsulation of molecules into nanocarriers is studied for its potential in delivering a high dose of anticancer drugs to a tumor, while minimizing side effects. Most systems either release their content in a non-specific manner or under specific environmental conditions such as temperature or pH. We have synthesized a novel class of photo-controllable polymer micelles that can stably encapsulate a hydrophilic compound and subsequently release it upon absorption of UV light. Here, we describe an in vitro magnetic resonance imaging assay that can evaluate the state of incorporation of a small Gd-based contrast agent. Our results indicate that the contrast agent alone can diffuse through a filter, but that the same agent incorporated into micelles cannot. After exposure to UV light, the micelles released the contrast agent, which could then diffuse through the filter.
Lepage
Martin
M
Département de médecine nucléaire et de radiobiologie, Université de Sherbrooke et Centre d'imagerie moléculaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada. Martin.Lepage@USherbrooke.ca
Jiang
Jinqiang
J
Babin
Jérôme
J
Qi
Bo
B
Tremblay
Luc
L
Zhao
Yue
Y
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008665:Metalloporphyrins / Q000737:chemistry; D008823:Micelles; D049329:Nanostructures; D010789:Phototherapy; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D003287:Contrast Media; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008665:Metalloporphyrins; D008823:Micelles; C521062:gadolinium tetraphenylporphyrin; C521061:polyethylene glycol-block-(coumarin methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate); D011092:Polyethylene Glycols