(Invited) Non-Invasive Injectable Nanotube-Hydrogel Formulations for Local Analyte Detection

Abstract

Rapid, minimally-invasive in situ detection of analytes in vivo remains a goal to study inflammatory signaling molecules, disease biomarkers, and pharmacology of therapeutics. To achieve this, we are using the near-infrared fluorescent properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to design sensors for use in live mice. SWCNT fluorescence is responsive to the local environment, in the tissue-transparent window, and does not photobleach, allowing for long-term signal monitoring. In this work, we are exploring several formulations of SWCNT embedded within hydrogels which gel in situ. We have investigated the kinetics of penetration of several classes of analytes—proteins, small molecules, and ions—through the hydrogel and their interaction with SWCNT sensors in vitro. Then, we explored the long-term stability of these nanotube-hydrogel formulations in live mice prior to detection of the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin. In ongoing work, we are exploring disease biomarker-specific sensing and monitoring of inflammatory cytokines in mouse models of disease using this nanotube-hydrogel system. We anticipate long-term applications of this work may include minimally-invasive and rapid clinical diagnostic development.