Folate-conjugated near-infrared fluorescent perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions as theranostics for activated macrophage COX-2 inhibition.

ABSTRACT: Activated macrophages play a critical role in the orchestration of inflammation and inflammatory pain in several chronic diseases. We present here the first perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion (PFC NE) that is designed to preferentially target activated macrophages and can deliver up to three payloads (two fluorescent dyes and a COX-2 inhibitor). Folate receptors are overexpressed on activated macrophages. Therefore, we introduced a folate-PEG-cholesterol conjugate into the formulation. The incorporation of folate conjugate did not require changes in processing parameters and did not change the droplet size or fluorescent properties of the PFC NE. The uptake of folate-conjugated PFC NE was higher in activated macrophages than in resting macrophages. Flow cytometry showed that the uptake of folate

SUBMITTER: Vichare R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10502124 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature