Long-circulating near-infrared fluorescence core-cross-linked polymeric micelles: synthesis, characterization, and dual nuclear/optical imaging.

ABSTRACT: We report the synthesis of PEG-coated, core-cross-linked polymeric micelles (CCPMs) derived from an amine-terminated amphiphilic block copolymer, poly(PEG-methacrylate)-b-poly(triethoxysilyl propylmethacrylate). The block copolymer self-assembled to form micellar nanoparticles, and a Cy-7-like near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) dye was entrapped in the core bearing reactive ethoxysilane functional groups through a subsequent sol-gel process. The fluorescent signal of CCPMs on the molar basis was 16-fold brighter than that of Cy7. With an average diameter of 24 +/- 8.9 nm, CCPMs exhibited a prolonged blood half-life (t1/2,alpha = 1.25 h; t1/2,beta = 46.18 h) and moderate uptake by the mononuclear phagocytic system. Significant accumulation of CCPMs in human breast tumor xenografts allowed no

SUBMITTER: Yang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2542943 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature