Abstract
(1) Background. The main goal of this work was to develop a fluorescent dye-labelling technique for our previously described nanosized platform, citrate-coated Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles (PBNPs). In addition, characteristics and stability of the PB nanoparticles labelled with fluorescent dyes were determined. (2) Methods. We adsorbed the fluorescent dyes Eosin Y and Rhodamine B and methylene blue (MB) to PB-nanoparticle systems. The physicochemical properties of these fluorescent dye-labeled PBNPs (iron(II);iron(III);octadecacyanide) were determined using atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy. A methylene-blue (MB) labelled, polyethylene-glycol stabilized PBNP platform was selected for further assessment of in vivo distribution and fluorescent imaging after intravenous administration in mice. (3) Results. The MB-labelled particles emitted a strong fluorescent signal at 662 nm. We found that the fluorescent light emission and steric stabilization made this PBNP-MB particle platform applicable for in vivo optical imaging. (4) Conclusion. We successfully produced a fluorescent and stable, Prussian blue-based nanosystem. The particles can be used as a platform for imaging contrast enhancement. In vivo stability and biodistribution studies revealed new aspects of the use of PBNPs.
Highlights
Optical methods are simple and easy ways of imaging in biomedical research
We found that the fluorescent light emission and steric stabilization made this PBNP-methylene blue (MB) particle platform applicable for in vivo optical imaging
We demonstrated a synthesis and modification methodology to biocompatible stealth fluorescent PBNPs
Summary
Optical methods are simple and easy ways of imaging in biomedical research. They offer opportunities from simple observation of subjects to advanced methods for the imaging of tumors and different metabolic pathways using different kinds of spectroscopy and microscopy [1]. Fluorophores alone are not able to mark specific tissues; their premature metabolism after intravenous administration often leads to decreased uptake in the target tissue or tumor. Their toxicity to the healthy tissues is another issue. Chemical or physicochemical solutions would connect these NIR fluorophores to other structures, e.g., nanoparticles or proteins, which could solve the toxicity and sensitivity issues, allowing the microdosing of these agents [4,5]
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