title: Naposomes: a new class of peptide-derivatized, target-selective multimodal nanoparticles for imaging and therapeutic applications.
abstract: Modified supramolecular aggregates for selective delivery of contrast agents and/or drugs are examined with a focus on a new class of peptide-derivatized nanoparticles: naposomes. These nanoparticles are based on the co-aggregation of two different amphiphilic monomers that give aggregates of different shapes and sizes (micelles, vesicles and liposomes) with diameters ranging between 10 and 300 nm. Structural properties and in vitro and in vivo behaviors are discussed. For the high relaxitivity values (12-19 mM(-1)s(-1)) and to detect for the presence of a surface-exposed peptide, the new peptide-derived supramolecular aggregates are very promising candidates as target-selective MRI contrast agents. The efficiency of surface-exposed peptides in homing these nanovectors to a specific target introduces promising new opportunities for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents with high specificity toward the biological target and reduced toxic side effects on nontarget organs.
authors: Department of Biological Sciences & CIRPeB, University of Naples, Italy.
authors: Antonella
authors: A
authors: Accardo
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Morisco
authors: Diego
authors: D
authors: Tesauro
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Pedone
authors: Giancarlo
authors: G
authors: Morelli
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D008081:Liposomes; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D008081:Liposomes; D010455:Peptides