Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Quantification of Endosomal Escape Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles.

ABSTRACT: Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are considered promising and advanced nucleic acid-based therapeutic delivery platforms. The therapeutic efficacy of LNP-based drugs depends heavily on endosomal escape. However, few methods are available for quantifying the efficiency of endosomal escape in vivo. Herein, a novel method for quantifying endosomal escape efficiency using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is presented. In this method, ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are synthesized and incorporated into LNPs, generating IONPs-loaded LNPs (IO@LNPs). After cellular internalization of IO@LNPs, the R₂ relaxation rate is reduced over time, suggesting the dispersal of free IONPs owing to endosomal escape. Data from electron microscopy further corroborated this finding, showing a stro

SUBMITTER: Lee S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12645086 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature